Step 3: Prepare for and complete inspection appointment

How to Prepare for Your Inspection:
City staff will contact the applicant to establish and schedule an appointment for the inspection. Inspections take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

The property should be in general good condition, both on the inside and outside. It must be walkable, and inspectors must be able to navigate through it easily. If possible, extra boxes or personal possessions should be removed from the property before the inspection to aid in the completion of the inspection. The property must be in safe, sanitary, and health-standard condition. 

Homeowners can review the following items prior to the city’s visit to prepare for inspection. These are the most frequent items found and not a complete list of items that inspectors will be looking for. Locked garages and gates will need to be accessible during the inspection, and pets should be restrained during the duration of the inspection. 

  • Make sure all areas of the house and garage are accessible for the inspector (Inspectors will not move furnishings, personal items, or appliances.)
  • Clean up exterior yard areas and property. Cut the lawn, trim overgrown bushes, and shrubbery.
    Remove trash, debris, and non-useable items throughout the property.
  • Repair broken or hanging shutters, awnings, light fixtures, etc.
  • Loose siding and chipped and peeling paint is unacceptable for the house, garage, or shed.
  • Make sure fences are repaired, painted, and in good condition.
  • Windows must be properly glazed and sealed.
  • Replace missing storm windows or screens; door knobs or handles.
  • Check for leaking or dripping water supply lines and shut-off valves throughout the house.
  • Smoke detectors are required to be installed in each room used for sleeping, outside each room used for sleeping and in each story of the dwelling — including the basement. Smoke detectors shall be installed per the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Ground-fault interrupter outlets (GFI’s) are required to replace existing outlets in bathrooms, existing outlets within six feet of the kitchen sink, existing wall outlets in the garage and on the exterior of the property.
  • Vacuum breakers, also known as backflow prevention devices, are required on laundry tubs and outdoor water spouts.
  • Outlet and light switch plate covers are required over all electrical switches and outlets (Many people need to remember to replace them after painting.)
  • Handrails are required on stairways with three (3) or more steps.
  • A guardrail or wall must enclose basement stairs. (Children and pets have been known to fall off basement stairways because proper guardrails are not present.)
  • A certificate from a licensed heating contractor must be submitted that indicates the heating unit was inspected and is functioning properly. 

*The City reserves the right to refuse to complete an inspection due to sanitary conditions, 
safety concerns, or severe conditions present at the property. For the safety of the residents, an inspection may be refused if the person on site is a minor. 

* Extenuating weather does not waive the need for inspection or repair. At times, certain exterior items may not be visible for inspection. The inspector or city staff will provide more information when these circumstances are prevalent.

The inspection report is available electronically through the city's website after 5 p.m. on the day of the inspection. Any questions about items on the inspection reports should be directed to the inspector who was there the day of the inspection.

 

 Requirements for Inspections: 
  • Utilities must be turned on so that a complete inspection can be performed. 
  • Inspections are for minimum code, property maintenance, and safety standards.
  • Inspections take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
  • Properties with personal possessions must be inspected with the seller or representative on site. All pets must be contained during the inspection. 
  • The city considers a property vacant if no personal possessions are present in the home. A Lockbox may be used for these inspections, with proper codes or instructions provided. 
  • Inspectors do not access roofs, crawl spaces, or knee walls unless necessary to investigate a potential hazard or violation.
  • Waterproofing tests are not conducted on roofs or basement walls.
  • Chimney flues are not inspected.
  • A thorough inspection of the public sidewalk is not performed. If you notice any irregularity in the public sidewalk at any time, please report it to the Engineering Division at 313-943-2145.
  • Home inspections are not a warranty or guarantee of the property's condition. The City of Dearborn is only responsible for items inspected. We encourage private home inspections. The city is not obligated for any items from private inspections. 
  • If an inspector cannot complete an inspection, another inspection must be scheduled, and a $75 fee will be charged.
  • Canceling a scheduled inspection, unless more than one business day's notice is provided, will result in a $75 fee.
  • A $75 fee will be charged if an inspector cannot gain entry for a scheduled inspection.

To schedule, cancel, or reschedule an inspection, email DbnSales@dearborn.gov or call the response center at 313-943-2150.