UNIT 3 Prepare for Home Inspections

Element 3.1 Agree and confirm instructions to carry out a Home Inspection
Element 3.2 Investigate relevant matters relating to the property

About this Unit

This Unit covers those activities that are carried out prior to the inspection of a property i.e. taking instructions, clarifying requirements and making initial enquiries on matters relating to the property in question.

Element 1 requires that you respond to requests for inspections from sellers or their representatives, clarify their needs and expectations, and check that the property is appropriate for inspection. You must clearly explain the terms and conditions, any limitations/constraints that apply to Home Inspections and confirm your fee and payment arrangements. You are expected to confirm that the sellers or their representatives fully understand the procedures for inspection, and to acknowledge any special circumstances that apply to your visit e.g. access to the property (or parts of the property) or who will be present at the time of the inspection.

Element 2 covers the investigation of matters which are important to ensure that you provide a complete and accurate Home Condition Report within the terms of your engagement. You should identify and research information that can reasonably be obtained, for example, that on the property type and construction, tenure, services to the property, modifications/extensions, and special risks such as flooding or subsidence. You must also identify any significant factors that may influence the conduct of the inspection e.g. health and safety issues, or additional information that should be gathered during the inspection. In some cases, your investigations may reveal problems that prevent you from inspecting the property; you are expected to inform the sellers or their representatives and explain the reasons to them.