The logistics of inspecting a winterized property

[Karin Crompton]

Hey all,

I'm coordinating well and septic inspections for an REO that's been winterized and am hoping the good folks here at BP can help me lay out the steps in the proper order.

So far I have my contractor ready to dewinterize so the inspections can take place. I assume he needs to re-winterize afterward (closing is scheduled for March 26, as per the bank; I would have closed earlier). I've contacted the well and septic companies and both can do inspections next week. Here are some questions I have:

• How many days should I plan for? The well people want to come in a day or so after the septic; I'm also not sure whether the de-winterizing will go smoothly. So - should my contractor de-winterize on Day 1, leaving the entire day available in case of problems?; Septic pumpout and inspection on Day 2; and well inspection, then re-winterize, on Day 3?
• Do I put the utilities in my name for those days, then back into the bank's name?
• What do I do if there are serious issues upon de-winterizing? Do I fix the problem (a burst pipe, for example) so as to proceed with the inspections? I would of course fix the problem anyway as part of the rehab, but in this case I would be fixing something prior to knowing how the well and septic inspections turned out. My guess is - fix it, cost of doing business.
• Are any liability issues covered under the bank's insurance during this period, even though my guys are in there doing work?

Also, the water results take 4-5 days. So I need to schedule this asap so as to perform the work and get the results back w/in the 10 day inspection period. Contract should be finalized today - they accepted my offer via email and I sent them their signed addendums and earnest money deposit bank check yesterday - so the clock starts now.

Thanks in advance for your help!