02/18/2023
A good inspection can put the mind at ease. It is always recommended that you get an inspection when purchasing a home.
Are you a little nervous. As a seller, what can I do to prepare for the inspection is the main worry for sellers. This may help you ease that stress.
A thorough inspection is one where all areas are accessible, Here is a check list that will help the Inspector to complete a thorough inspection.
To start with, prior to the expected arrival of the Inspector arriving have your personal check list checked and checked again (no need to write it out) and prepare for their arrival approximately 2 hours before. They are notorious for being early. Prepare your family to vacate the home during the inspection. Be ready to take any animals with you or that they are properly, safely created or secured.
1. Provide open access to all areas.
This means remove items from access to attic, crawl spaces, equipment rooms/areas, electric service panel, under all sinks, etc.
2. Clear perimeter
The inspector will be completing a visual of the exterior of the home. You will want to remove anything impeding visual inspection of all areas outside your home. This includes plant growth, trash cans, etc.
3. Check your roof
For most it has been a long while since they have looked over their roof. This is a one major area in an inspection. You do not want to ignore this area. You may need to get on top of your roof and check for missing/damaged shingles/tiles, remove leaves, moss, or any other debris. Clean gutters, and downspouts that will allow the inspector to see there is no damage.
4. Keep a clean home.
Cleanliness is not part of the inspection or even commented on in the report. However an untidy or messy home could cause the inspector to become suspicious that other items within your home may have been unattended or allowed to be ignored as well.
5. Light bulbs
All lighting fixtures will be operated. A light fixture that does not operate when switched on will be noted as a deficiency. Inspector do not carry bulbs on them, and will not look around for available bulbs in your home. It is much better to change a bulb before, in order to avoid the inspector or potential buyer believing there may be an inoperable fixture.
6. Be sure that all toilets/commodes are functioning properly
Does your toilet/commode take a long while to fill after being flushed? That is a common problem that is easily overlooked when your have lived with it for a while. However you don’t want the inspector to come upon this problem. If you think you may have this problem simply time all of your toilets/commodes and write these times down. Go to your local hardware store and speak to their plumbing expert and ask them. If this is a problem the fix is usually simple and inexpensive. It is advisable to make the proper repair before the inspection to avoid a deficient mark on the report.
7. Replace air filters
Filters should be replaced regularly as this action is extremely important to obtain optimal air quality, and proper overall function of your cooling/heating system. A dirty filter(s) will cause the inspector to be suspicious that the heating/cooling system was not properly cared for. Replacing the filter(s) will show the inspector and potential buyer that you did pay attention to this simple step.
8. Pilot lights
Inspectors will not light pilot lights. Be sure the pilot light on any and all appliances needed is lit. This includes water heaters, gas fireplaces, stove/oven, or any other gas appliance. If you have them operating manuals for appliances (fireplace etc) leave those out just in case the inspector is not familiar with that model. Any gas appliance that does not operate will be listed as deficient.
9. Electric Service Panel
Be sure the electric service panel (fuse/breaker box) is accessible. Remove any stored items, or growth from in front of or around the box. Also, a panel that is not labeled will be listed as deficient. A service panel and required to be properly labeled. If the labels have become difficult to read or faded replace these labels.
10. Check you doors (interior and exterior)
Taking a little time and checking that all of your doors are in good working order is a simple action that can keep another deficient mark from making it on the report. All doors should latch into the frame without issue. They should be able to close without much force. All locks should function properly without fail. Pay attention to door, especially those that you don’t use often.
11. Repair faulty cabinets
Check all cabinets and cabinet doors. Usually a cabinet door that does not look square or just a “little off” can be fixed by tightening the screws holding the hinge(s).
12. Look for any signs of leaks or water damage.
The Inspector will definitely be looking for signs of leaks or water (moisture) damage. Beating the Inspector to the punch is always best. Any leaks or moisture issue will be listed as a deficiency therefore getting repairs made prior to the inspection will be a major help on both your side and the potential buyers side. When looking for these signs be sure to check around the areas that border the outside of your home while also checking under sinks, around faucets, bases of toilets/commodes, showers/tubs, and any other appliances such as dishwashers, etc. You will also want to use a keen eye on walls, ceilings, and floors looking for sagging, warping, or buckling. Pooling outside your home should cause some concern as well. The closer to the foundation the greater that concern.
13. Signs of insect (bug) infestations
Most all of us have dealt with spiders in our home. However, if you see a wasp nest get this treated and removed. If you routinely see lines of ants in your kitchen or other areas inside your home get this treated and the cause removed. Also check your foundation, especially around the foundation, for ant mounds and removed these. In addition to ants check your foundation for signs of termites. If you see signs of termites (new or old) be sure to have this evaluated prior to the inspection by a pest control specialist and provide a clean and clear report from them at that time. This will calm any worry of your potential buyer.
At this point in the process most buyers are not expecting perfection or zero deficiencies. However they are concerned and hoping for minimal or zero heavy burdens waiting for them. Deficiencies are common, and most Inspectors will inform their clients of this. Usually, these deficiencies are minor. Most times if there are serious issues, you already know of them, and have disclosed those prior to the inspection.
