How to Get Ready for a Home Inspection

A pre-sale home inspection is an essential aspect of home selling. It is done before closing the deal. The home selling process involves the following steps:

· The buyer looks for a property

· Makes an offer after finding a property

· Negotiates and fixes the price and closing date

· Contacts a home inspector and pays for the service

· Inspection by the home inspectors

· Closing the deal

A home inspection is not just a formality; as Real Property Group explains, it provides a guarantee for the buyer. A buyer can decide to withdraw the offer if the report is not favorable.

What do home inspectors look for during a home inspection?

There are about 1600 items on the checklist of home inspectors. Home inspectors usually lookout for plumbing problems, electrical faults, foundation problems, structural integrity, roof leaks, chimney damages, floors damages, water damage, excess moisture, and condition of the windows and doors.

They will inspect the electrical panels and switches, kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, foundation, basement, attic, roof, walls, piping, sinks, tubs, etc. Home inspectors are very thorough, and you should be prepared.

How to get ready for a home inspection

A home inspection is an essential step in the house selling process, and below are some tips on how you should go about it.

 

1. Provide easy access to the property

When there are obstructions to access, the home inspector may interpret it as a ploy to conceal faulty areas in the house. However, if you provide easy access and remove all clutter, the inspector will be able to explore everywhere without obstacles.

Before home inspectors visit your property, remove all barriers, and make all the keys available. Also, if some doors or windows are operated with remotes in your house, label them and make them handy. Do not fail to provide easy access to your attic, basement, and crawlspace.

 

2. Keep the property in a clean state

A clean property improves the curb appeal and also demonstrates good maintenance, but a dirty house signifies inadequate upkeep. Once the inspectors notice that the property is filthy, they will have the impression that the home is poorly maintained. Ensure to clean the house before an inspection.

 
 

3. Make the paperwork available

If you have documents and invoices for remodeling projects or items that you have repaired or replaced in the house, make them available. Let the inspectors see these documents during their inspection.

4. Replace all blown out bulbs

Blown out bulbs could either mean that the bulbs have exceeded their lifespan or the wiring in the house is faulty. When inspectors notice blown out bulbs, they will either search for the problem or make a note on the report. You should check all your bulbs and replace faulty ones.

5. Check for signs of leakages and water damage and repair them

Examine your plumbing system and search for leaks. Check the faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and appliances. Check for slow draining sinks, look for signs of water damages such as molds, discolored ceilings, and walls, warping, sagging, or buckling. Fix all plumbing issues before a home inspection and keep the invoices.

6. Take care of the exterior

Do not ignore the outer appearance of your property, but keep it neat and tidy. Mow the lawn and trim the trees that are close to the roof. Wash debris off the roof, clean the roof gutter and downspout drainage. Divert water away from the building and clean all the trash around your AC compressor.

7. Inspect your roof and repair all damages

We are very sure that home inspectors will not fail to look at your roof. So you should repair all damaged flashing and sagging roofs. If your roof is leaking, fix it. Cover all the exposed nail heads on your roof. Replace all shingles that are cracked, curling, or blistering. Keep your roof in good shape.

 

8. Check the yard grading

If your yard is sloping towards the property, you should correct this grading before a home inspection. This is because it means that rainwater is directed towards the property, and the foundation may be affected.

The appropriate grading is when your yard slopes away from the building. Get a professional to grade your yard for you because the home inspectors will take note of it.

In a nutshell: How to Get Ready for a Home Inspection

If you are planning to sell your property, then you should not forget to prepare for a home inspection. It is an essential aspect of the home selling process.

A home inspection is not just a formality; a buyer can decide to withdraw the offer if the report is not positive

Below are some tips on how to prepare for a home inspection:

· Provide easy access to the property

· Keep the property in a clean state

· Make the paperwork available

· Replace all blown out bulbs

· Check for signs of leakages and water damage and repair them

· Take care of the exterior

· Inspect your roof and repair all damages

· Check the yard grading

Thank you to Jamie Heffer with the Real Property Group for writing this.

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