The prospective purchaser of your home will usually order a thorough inspection by a professional inspection company. Here are some suggestions and guidelines for dealing with the inspector and the results of the inspection.

Access
Anticipate that the inspector will walk through your entire home. Make every effort to clear storage items, boxes, etc. that may hinder access to electrical panels, attics, basements and crawl spaces. A parked car that blocks attic access over the garage area, for instance, may mean a return trip which is costly and inconvenient to everyone.

System & Procedure of Inspection
Every inspector will have a proven system that they will repeat at every inspection. This inspection system is one of the ways that is used to detect defects, potential issues and limit liability for all. For example, the inspector may start on the exterior and move clockwise around the house and then move to the interior starting from the kitchen. Let the inspector do his job. Do not limit him to time constraints or ask him to do certain areas first because you have to leave. While all professional inspectors will not allow themselves to be pressured for time, most will be more than happy to re-schedule the inspection to a more convenient time if you cannot allow access for the time period necessary.

Electrical Bulbs & Light Fixtures
Replace burned-out bulbs and/or install bulbs in all light fixtures prior to the
inspection.
Pets
If you have a pet that is easily excitable, dislikes strangers, or is prone to bite someone, put it in a cage, or perhaps remove it from the property on the day of the inspection. If you will not be attending the inspection and have a pet that should not be let out of the house, or should be confined to a particular part of the house, leave a note to that effect on the front door. Also, it helps to know the pet's name to put it at ease.
Communicating with the Inspector
We recommend the following:
• Do NOT make verbal representations about the condition of the home.
• Do NOT negotiate with the inspector over his findings.
• Do NOT hide defects. This could result in future liability.
• Do NOT expect to know the results of the inspection immediately. The inspection report (if paid for by the Buyer) is confidential for the Buyer. In most cases, a copy of the inspection report will be made available to the Seller or Seller's Realtor® at a later date.
• If possible, do not interfere with the inspector and the buyer. The inspector is there both to assess the condition of your home and to provide reassurance to the Buyer. Interference by the seller/homeowner normally makes the new home buyer more apprehensive because they sense the existing owner is trying to hide something.
Radon Inspection Preparations
If a Radon inspection is to be performed, there are guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which the Seller should follow prior to and during the testing. You will be asked to sign a document validating your having complied with these guidelines.
• Windows are to be closed 12 hours prior to and during the test period. Window closing may be delayed until the beginning of the inspection if the testing period is extended (96+ hours).
• Crawl space vents are to be closed during the test period.
• All doors should be kept closed (except for normal entry and exit).
• Fireplace dampers should be closed (fireplaces and wood-burning stoves should not be in operation during the test period).
• Exhaust fans (kitchens & bathrooms) should be used only when absolutely necessary. Use of Jenn-air grills should be avoided during the test period.
• The radon testing units must not be touched, moved or tampered with in any manner during the test period.

WHAT DEFECTS ARE THE SELLER'S RESPONSIBILITY?
It is the inspector's responsibility to uncover and point out the visible defects. Questions over whether the Buyer or the Seller should pay for defects are not within the contractual responsibility of the inspector. No two real estate transactions are ever the same. Decisions over what the Seller is responsible for is really more of a process than a hard-and-fast decision.