Can a Home Inspection Be Performed During the COVID-19 Pandemic? – It is a well known idea that there are certain things human society will always do; purchase, sell, move, die, be born… In other words, the demand for real estate continues. Due to this, I am relaying the information below that has been provided to ASHI Home Inspectors. Here is a link to the official video for the information below:
A home inspection is a vital part of a home purchase in the United States. The primary authority in home inspections, ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors) believes that home inspections can continue during the COVID-19 outbreak when prudent safety precautions are practiced, and when performing the inspection does not conflict with government orders and recommendations.
Everyone involved with the home inspection is responsible for helping with safety. The following advice is based on current recommendations from the CDC, NIH, & WHO. People should be aware that the situation is changing constantly and should monitor the CDC for official updates and recommended behavior.
For Home Inspectors:
- Reschedule the inspection if you feel sick, or if you exhibit symptoms of respiratory illness or have a different inspector perform the inspection.
- Bring your own anti-bacterial soap, towel, hand sanitizer, and shoe covers.
- Use hand sanitizer before entering the home, and wash your hands as recommended before and throughout beginning the inspection.
- Wear disposable shoe covers when entering the home.
- Do not shake hands, bump fists, or touch elbows.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wash your hands after inspecting each bathroom and the kitchen.
- Wipe bathroom and kitchen fixtures and toilet handles with a sanitizing wipe after inspecting these areas. Be sure the wipe instructions allow use on the fixture or handle.
- Wipe door handle/knob inside and outside the home as you enter and leave the home.
For Buyers and Real Estate Agents:
- Do not attend the inspection. If you wish to attend, do so only at the end of the inspection.
- Do not bring children, relatives, contractors, and others to the inspection. Reschedule the inspection if you wish to attend, and if you feel sick, or if you exhibit symptoms of a respiratory illness.
- Use hand sanitizer before entering and before leaving the home.
- Touch as few things in the home as possible.
For Sellers:
- Reschedule the inspection if anyone in the home feels sick, or exhibits symptoms of a respiratory illness.
- Do not attend the inspection. Make arrangements for children, relatives, and others to be out of the home during the inspection.
Wipe bathroom and kitchen fixtures, toilet handles, and doorknobs with a sanitizing wipe before the inspection. Be sure the wipe instructions allow use on the surface. Below is a link to a PDF that can be used:
