Inspector & realtor checklist

I am making a checklist for myself & realtors.

Please feel free to add or correct any of my verbage.

I have been guilty of leaving equipment behind more than once. Realtors have left there paperwork.

I have left the serviceman at the furnace off once.

I have walked into homes that are not locked & secured.

Thanks

Dave

Make sure that all windows and doors that were tested are locked again. Don’t ask me how I know this! lol

Well, “quilty” as charged! (g-q check your spelling first).
I too have left things behind, a thermostat turned up, things of this nature. I figure this goes away with deligent attention (we’re inspectors for Gods sake!) and experience. Still, on occassion, a tool can find its way out of pocket in the crawl space or something like that, and we’re out a few hundred dollars if we’re not fortunate enough to find it.

Good luck - Alan

Get check :slight_smile:

I inspect room by room and do not leave the room until all systems are back to where there were, I leave my inspection bag with all my tools in the room so I don’t forget. At the end of the inspection I ask everyone there, buyers/realtor, So we’re all done, did we forget anything? are all the lights turned off? how about the thermostat? is the stove turned off?

When I ask these questions you can see the light bulbs go off in everyone face, no one wants to leave home with anything on.

I’ve always done the part that I underlined. Now that second part is absolutely brilliant. Should have known brilliance would come from someone with “russel” in his name. :smiley:

Thanks for the contribution to my inspection protocols. :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

Here’s the one that I’ve been using for 5½ years. I will modify it this evening.

[Inspection checklist](http://www.abouthomes.info/files/NACHI/Inspection checklist.pdf)

I will leave it there for 30 days and then move it over to here.

Hey Russel, thanks, it really works great and I’ve never had anyone call me because I left something on.

I do not loose tools any longer.

My toolbag has many outside pockets and contain all my expensive tools. I make sure every outside pocket contains a tool before I leave the home.

As for the checklist, The listing Agents are on site 99% of the time (in my area) and they always stay behind to check thermostat settings and shut off lights. I always make sure I mention this to the agents before I leave.

I also leave a courtesy table card on the Sellers kitchen table with my brochure and business card. This courtesy card states the following…

***Thank you for allowing me in your home. During the inspection I tested and changed the settings of many systems in your home. I do my best to put everything back just as I found it. Please take a moment to check all of the settings and controls within your house to assure that they are at your comfort level. If you have any questions or concerns please call or e-mail me. ***

Respectfully,

David Valley
Certified Massachusetts Home Inspections
http://www.MassCertifiedHomeInspections.com

***978-683-4984 ***

Dave I have been using a card like yours on my inspections also. I have received a few inspectons from that little bit of good will.

Yes, Same here. I get frequent calls stating that I inspected their home and that they want me to inspect their new home. Most of these callers mention that they like the fact that I located all of their defects in their present home.

Table cards make an excellent marketing tool, as all these Sellers are seeking new homes.