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Be
sure that you conduct a pre-settlement walk-through and check each of the
systems
prior to settlement. Review the overall condition of the home just prior to
your taking ownership and confirm that systems that were operating properly
during the home inspection are still in working condition.
Occupied House:
If the house was
occupied at the time of our inspection, personal
belongings, furniture, etc., may have obscured items/areas
and made them inaccessible for inspection.
Normally these belongings are removed prior to the
pre-settlement walk-through and you will have an
excellent opportunity to view all of the surfaces and systems
at that time. If an item was obscured during
our inspection and you feel that it may be defective after
you have had an opportunity to view it during your
pre-settlement walk-through, you should discuss it with your
title company or attorney right away.
Vacant House:
While a vacant
house is easier to inspect visually than an occupied one, there are
disadvantages. This is particularly true if the house has been vacant for a
long time. Seals and bearings of
mechanical systems may have dried out and caused accelerated
deterioration or failure. Further, possible leaks
may not have been detected during your inspection because
lack of use had prevented accumulation of sufficient water to create a stain
or other observable evidence.
Utilities Off:
You should ensure
that the utilities will be turned on prior to your pre-settlement
walk-through inspection and that you will have an opportunity to check all
of the systems. If the utilities were off at the time of your inspection,
contact your inspector to ascertain the steps/checks you should perform to
satisfy yourself that any un-inspected systems are working properly prior to
settlement.
Declaration:
If a declaration
has been made by the sellers or agents concerning the age of any item,
condition,
repair, service contract, or warranty, those statements
should be placed in writing. A request should be made
for the seller to
provide you with all instruction books, operator's manuals, warranties, and
other documents related to the various systems and appliances within the
property. This paperwork will be extremely useful to you.
Checklist:
Don’t
forget to bring along our complementary
“Walk-through Checklist.”
Using our
Walk-through Checklist is a required part of our inspection service
agreement and provides practical, useful information for you at the time of
closing.
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