INSPECTIONS - RESIDENTIAL - 1 & 2 FAMILY
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KEYWORD
QUESTION
ANSWER
Prior to Sale What is a Prior to Sale inspection? A Prior to Sale inspection (for owner occupied or non-owner occupied properties) is an inspection that is requested only by the seller of the property. Any violations found during this inspection are to be corrected by the seller.
Is there any cost for a Prior to Sale inspection? $50.00
How do I obtain a Prior to Sale inspection? The seller or the selling agent (Realtor) comes to the Building Department with the following:
  1. The name, address & phone number of both the seller & (if applicable) the buyer
  2. The anticipated date of title transfer (if applicable).
  3. (If applicable) if the buyer is going to reside on the property, which suite will he/she be living in?
  4. A check for $50.00
What does the Building Department look at during an interior inspection? In general (but not limited to):
  1. Window operation, sash cords/ropes, broken/cracked glass, torn/missing screens.
  2. Use of extension cords through halls / doorways or used as permenant wiring.
  3. Severely blistered paint.
  4. Plaster missing or loosing it's key (falling down).
  5. Correct polarity, proper installation of electrical receptacles.
  6. Improperly installed or illegal light fixtures.
  7. Smoke detectors & plug-in carbon monoxide detectors working properly. (required in rental units)
  8. If possible, check for overcrowding of tenants / occupants.
  9. Condition of all plumbing fixtures, waste / drain pipes and water supply lines.
  10. Major holes / cracking of walls, floors & ceilings.
  11. Doors operable
  12. Check for code compliance & gas line shut-off valves with-in six (6) feet of each appliance (stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, dryers & hot water heaters).
  13. Condition and presence of step railings for all interior stairs.
  14. Check for conditions of dwelling to be clean & sanitary.
  15. Check for clear means of egress from the suite.
  16. Inspect electrical panels (if deemed necessary).
  17. Confirm that the current housing license is posted in a common area (if applicable).
  18. Observe if any rain / drain waste water is penetrating any walls, floors or ceilings.
  19. Check for any illegal splices or dead end circuits of electrical wiring.
  20. Make sure all bathroom floors, walls & ceiling are impervious to water. 
  21. Verify all walls, floors & ceilings are structurally sound & in good repair.
  22. Check or cite to provide GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles for kitchen, bath & cellar.
  23. If the property owner lives out of the city, confirm that the custodian's name, address, phone number are posted for all tenants to view.

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Frequently Asked Questions
City of Lakewood Divison of Housing & Building