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Ever wondered what actually stops a home inspection? Not a dead furnace or a closed gas valve—but a city do-not-enter notice, active squatters, or a flooded basement inches from the electrical panel. We open the playbook on how professional inspectors balance thoroughness with safety, what we can still evaluate when utilities are off, and the conditions that require us to walk away.

We start with the practical: what gets inspected when gas or water isn’t running, why some leaks only reveal themselves after hours of use, and how a one-stop shop approach—radon, mold, WDI, sewer scopes, chimney scopes, and indoor air quality—saves buyers headaches. Then we draw the hard lines. A posted unlawful-to-enter notice carries legal risk and shuts down access. Standing water near energized equipment is a shock hazard. Discovering squatters or drug paraphernalia inside the structure ends the appointment on the spot. We explain policy, liability, and why no contract timeline is worth risking an inspector’s safety.

You’ll also hear how communication keeps deals alive: agents flagging city postings in advance, buyers planning for follow-up testing once utilities are on, and scheduling strategies that allow us to finish what couldn’t be tested the first time. Along the way, we clarify what the state does and doesn’t require—like walking roofs—and how inspectors make real-time safety calls based on conditions, not pressure. If you’re a buyer, agent, or investor, this walkthrough helps you set expectations, protect your team, and still get the information you need to make a smart decision.

If this helped you prep for an inspection or rethink your safety protocols, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more buyers find trusted guidance.

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To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

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