There are a lot of people nervous during these times. We’re feeling it too. That’s why we’ve developed and implemented the following recommended protocol for home inspections during this health emergency. We invite all to follow the below protocol.
Health Emergency Protocol for Home Inspections in Residential Real Estate Transactions
The following protocol has been developed and implemented by Home-Probe, Inc. to comply with local jurisdiction Shelter in Place Orders and protect the health and safety of clients, real estate agents and inspectors:
Buyers and Their Real Estate Agent
- Agree to attend the inspection virtually unless prior arrangement is made with the inspector
- Attendance on site will be limited to one buyer and their real estate agent
- Inspector will call for inspection preview at the beginning to gather concerns
- Buyer concerns will be documented in the report
- Report review will be by phone, Facetime, Zoom or verbally at a social distance
- Inspector will be available after the report is published for further consultation and discussion
Sellers (via the listing agent)
- Even if not attending, sellers should confirm everyone living in the home is without symptoms and has not been exposed to someone with symptoms, presumed positive or tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days (including fever, cough, shortness of breath).
- Let the inspector know if they will be home. The inspector will work around them as best as possible. Residents will ensure children are maintaining distance for inspectors to perform their work.
- Notify inspector of any additional precautions they would like taken in the home.
- Ensure access is granted to crawlspace or outer buildings, attics, electrical panels, etc.
- Providing the inspector access to the wifi will speed up the process.
- Provide a contact number for inspector to call or text when inspection is over.
Inspectors and all attending the inspection
- Confirm to the inspector they are without symptoms and have not been exposed to someone with symptoms, presumed or tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days (including fever, cough, shortness of breath).
- Communicate to all parties attending if there’s a related change in health up to 14 days post-inspection.
- Only the inspector should touch the components within the home during the inspection.
- Maintain a strict distance of at least 6 feet from the inspector and others in the home.
- Not make physical contact (hand-shaking, fist bumping).
- Wear masks and gloves as appropriate.
Inspection Process Details
- Full inspection will be performed following standards set by the state or American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
- Only the inspector will touch the components of the home during the inspection.
- Seller is advised these are the points of contact inspector has with the home. They may be in need of wiping them down:
- Light switches and pull chains
- Door knobs
- Cabinet/drawer knobs
- Faucets
- Toilet flush handles/seats
- Shower door
- Window locks/handles
- Appliance control panels/knobs
- Attic pull down
- Thermostats
- Furnace panels
- Air filters
- Electrical panel
- GFCI reset
- Hose bib
- Doorbell
- Remote controls for ceiling fans/fireplaces
- Fireplace gas key, on/off switch
- Fireplace screen, doors, damper lever
Comments or questions? Call or email Home-Probe, Inc. at 404-218-1040 or info@home-probe.com