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Occupancy Inspection in New Castle, PA

A pre-check that helps a property meet local occupancy requirements before you sell, rent or move in. Get a free estimate online.

Who is an occupancy inspection for?

Selling a house, renting out a unit or moving into a property can trigger a municipal inspection. If the property does not pass, the sale or the tenant can be delayed while repairs are made and a reinspection is scheduled. That is stressful and expensive when a closing date is fixed.

A pre-inspection from Semper Fi puts the list in your hands first. Sellers and landlords use it to fix problems on their own timeline. Buyers use it to understand what they will inherit, and new occupants use it to make sure the place is safe on day one.

Will works across 22 western Pennsylvania counties and sees how requirements differ from one municipality to the next. He can tell you what he sees, and you can confirm the local rules with the municipality.

Landlords with several units find a pre-inspection especially helpful. It turns a pass-or-fail surprise into a simple punch list, and the same report can be kept on file to show that items were addressed.

What does an occupancy inspection look at?

The checklist follows common life-safety and habitability items:

  • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms: presence and operation
  • Exits, egress windows, doors, locks and stairways
  • Handrails, guardrails, steps, porches and decks
  • Electrical panel, visible wiring, outlets and exposed hazards
  • Plumbing: leaks, water heater, fixtures and drains
  • Heating equipment, venting and adequate heat in living areas
  • Roof, exterior walls, windows and weather tightness
  • Interior surfaces, sanitation, and signs of moisture or pests
  • Address numbers, trash and debris, and exterior property condition

Every municipality sets its own standards. This pre-inspection is an independent review, not an official approval. Confirm requirements with your local code office.

How it works and what you get

Call and let Will know the municipality and the reason for the inspection: sale, rental or move-in. He walks the property, documents findings with photos and sends a report the same day or within 24 to 48 hours. You get a practical list of items to fix before the official visit.

Many owners also want an overall view of the property's condition. You can add a home inspection to the same visit.

Why an independent veteran Certified Master Inspector?

Semper Fi is independent of agents and sellers, so you get a straight list, not a softened one. Will Kuhn is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a construction background, a Certified Master Inspector (CMI, CCMI), InterNACHI member, and holds CCPIA, IAC2 and MC/RC certifications, with errors and omissions and general liability insurance.

See what it will cost: get a free estimate online.

A note on timing: book the pre-inspection early enough to leave time for repairs. A few days of lead time before the official inspection is usually enough for small fixes, while larger items need longer. Will can tell you which category each finding falls into.

Related inspections and pages

Code inspectionProperty maintenance reviewHome inspectionThe full-scope option4-point inspectionFor insurance carriersPreparing for inspectionA short checklistProperty recoverySquatter and unlawful occupant help

Common questions

What is an occupancy inspection?
An occupancy inspection checks that a property meets the local requirements for people to live in or use it. Many municipalities require one before a sale, rental or change of occupant. The exact checklist varies by municipality, so requirements should be confirmed with your local office.
Does Semper Fi issue the occupancy certificate?
No. Municipalities issue their own certificates or approvals. Will performs an independent pre-inspection so you can find and fix likely problems first, which helps the official inspection go smoothly and avoids repeat visits.
Who should get a pre-inspection?
Sellers, landlords, buyers and new occupants in municipalities that require occupancy or rental inspections. Anyone who wants to know in advance whether smoke alarms, handrails, electrical safety or other items will be flagged can benefit.
What kinds of items commonly cause a failed inspection?
Typical issues include missing or inoperable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, loose or missing handrails, exposed wiring, damaged windows or doors, and plumbing leaks. Requirements differ by municipality, so Will focuses on what is visible and what local officials generally look for.
How fast can you inspect?
Saturday is on call with same-day inspections, and weekdays run 8am to 5pm. Reports arrive the same day or within 24 to 48 hours, which helps when a closing or move-in date is near.
What does it cost?
Cost depends on the property, so please get a free estimate online or call 878-300-6621. The estimate is free and there is no obligation.

Ready to schedule?

Get your free estimate online, or call Will directly at 878-300-6621.

Get a free estimateCall 878-300-6621