Ensure inspector access in furnished properties

I recently attended an inspection of a property I currently am in contract on.  Overall, the inspection went well, and the inspector noted a few minor issues.

However, after the inspection, when reading the inspector's report, I noted in the report that "any area that is not exposed to view or inaccessible because of...carpets, furnishings...are not included in the inspection."

Oops.

The apartment we had inspected was fully (although luckily sparsely) furnished, which meant that there may have been damage to the property that would go unnoticed, such as under a rug, or behind a book case.

Lesson learned: prior to the inspection, make arrangements for furniture, rugs, and any other items which may prevent inspector access to be removed, or at least moved away from walls.  Optionally, make arrangements for someone to move items before or during the inspection, and consider offering to pay for this if needed.  Obviously, depending on the items in question, it will come down to a judgment call, weighing the cost (and liability) of moving items, compared to the potential damage that may not be uncovered.

Oh, and one more thing: always be sure to attend the inspection yourself.  Shadow the inspector, and don't be afraid to ask questions. A good inspector will enjoy narrating what they are doing, providing you with a wealth of knowledge.