Inspection Question

[Jeff W.]

So I'm looking at a foreclosed home. All utilities are off. Well obviously I want an inspection before I buy. The air conditioner looks bad, but I don't know for sure. How do I get it tested to see if it works with no electricity, or how does the inspector test other aspects if the utilities are off?

Thank you.

[Jon Holdman]

Who owns the home? Banks typically leave electricity on, at least around here. But they turn off water and gas. Usually, you can get the utilities turned back on for an inspection. In the winter, we get hit for a "dewinterization fee", typically $200-300.

If that's impossible, it gets more complex. You can hook up compressed air to the water system. You can use a portable generator and hook up to the electrical system. That's how the HUD inspectors do it.