top of page
Writer's pictureFirst Shield Home Inspections

MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME INSPECTION! Why the utilities should be on during a home inspection



If the utilities are off during a home inspection, several important aspects of the property may go unchecked, potentially leading to incomplete or inconclusive findings. This may cause delays to the final report being delivered.


Here are some of the key things that could be missed:


1. If the Electricity is off here's some things that are affected:

  • Functionality of outlets, switches, circuit breakers, lighting fixtures, and appliances

  • Air conditioning will not be operable

  • If the water heater is a tankless water heater, hot water will not be tested

  • Electrical issues, like: overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or unsafe electrical conditions.


2. If the Gas is off, here's some things that are affected:

  • HVAC system evaluation: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system cannot be tested

  • Some built-in appliances, such as: cooktops or ovens cannot be tested

  • Gas fed water heaters - hot water cannot be tested at any location (kitchen and bathrooms)

  • Functionality of pool heater


3. If the Water is off, here's some things that are affected:

  • The ability to check for leaks, water pressure, or drainage issues

  • Functionality of kitchen and bathroom sinks, toilets and showers

  • Functionality of the water heater


Without utilities, the inspector's ability to perform a thorough inspection is limited. Most times we have to return later to complete our assessment, potentially delaying the closing process.


It cannot be stressed enough...for a thorough and informative home inspection, it's highly recommended to have all utilities on to ensure that the inspector can assess the property's various systems and components effectively.

16 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page