Does it matter if a home was vacant before inspection?
Quick answer: Yes, a vacant home can present extra considerations during inspection. Utilities may be off, preventing the inspector from testing the furnace, water heater, plumbing, or appliances, so confirm everything is on beforehand. Vacant homes can also develop issues from sitting idle, such as dried-out plumbing traps causing sewer odors, undetected leaks, pest intrusion, or, in Minnesota, freeze damage if heat was left off in winter. An inspector notes these vacancy-related concerns along with the usual findings.
Utilities must be on for a complete inspection. If the gas, water, or electricity is shut off, the inspector cannot operate the furnace, water heater, fixtures, and appliances. Arrange for all utilities to be active before the inspection date.
Idle homes develop their own problems. Dry plumbing traps let sewer gas in, small leaks go unnoticed without occupants, and pests can move in. An inspector watches for these signs that a home has sat empty for a while.
Minnesota winters add risk to vacant homes. If a home was left unheated, pipes may have frozen and cracked, and damage might not appear until water is restored. The inspector notes vacancy-related concerns so you understand the added risk in an empty property.
