Q: I am looking at a house in good condition except the gas meter and electricity meter have been removed. How do I negotiate the pre-purchase inspection, given that the inspector will not be able to test the utilities?
A: Hopefully, you have not fully executed your purchase agreement yet. I suggest that you make the time period for which the inspection contingency (which should be standard in a purchase agreement) takes place, start from the date that all utilities are turned on. Now, depending on who owns the property (bank, private seller) would determine who is responsible for arranging & paying for that to happen. You might just have to arrange & pay yourself to complete the inspection. I do not suggest that you have an inspection without utilities.
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