By Joan Mercer
4 min read
Owners tend to dread the license inspection. In our experience the inspector works from a short list, and nine of its eleven items can be put right in an afternoon.
What is on the list
Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor. Clear exits. Handrails on stairs of more than three steps. Hot water. Heat that reaches 68 degrees. No exposed wiring. Locks on entry doors. Numbers visible from the street.
What takes longer
Two items need a contractor: a lead-safe certificate for homes built before 1978, and any open permit left by a previous owner. Start both a month before the renewal date.
What we do
We walk every home 30 days before its inspection with the same list, fix what we find and file the paperwork. Last year every building we manage passed first time.