Sellers: How to Prepare For a Buyer’s Home Inspection
Nearly all purchase contracts for homes sold today include a home inspection contingency clause, a provision to allow the buyers to hire a professional home inspector of their choosing to thoroughly evaluate the home for any major problems.
On inspection day, the house should be empty of the owners and their presence. Typically, a home inspection will take two to three hours and include a check of the home’s structural and mechanical condition. But besides the structural and mechanical inspection, home inspectors may also do tests for radon gas, check for wood destroying insects, or perform other services requested by the buyer.
Home sellers quite frequently ask us, “What will a home inspector be looking for in my home and how can I be more organized for the home buyers inspection?” Here are 25 things you can do to prepare your home for the inspection…
House Exterior
- Remove soil or mulch from contact with siding. Six or more inches of clearance is best.
- Clean out dirty gutters and any debris from the roof.
- Check to make sure all water from downspouts, sump pump, condensation and basement entry drains is diverted away from the house.
- Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
- Paint weathered exterior wood and caulk around the trim, chimney, windows and doors.
- Repair any failing mortar in brick or block.
- Remove wood and/or firewood from any contact with the house.
- Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
House Interior
- Clean or replace heating and cooling filters, clean dirty air returns and plenum.
- Test all smoke detectors to ensure that they are working.
- Have the chimney, fireplace or wood stove serviced and provide a copy of the cleaning record.
- Replace any burned out light bulbs.
- Have clear access to attic, crawl space, heating system, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected. Leave doors unlocked or provide keys to all areas including outbuildings and sheds.
- If the house is vacant, make sure all utilities are turned on. This includes water, electricity, furnace, A/C and the water heater because they will need to be inspected.
- Ensure ready access to all rooms and crawl spaces. Clear all furniture, boxes, clothes, toys and other personal items that may block access to the furnace, water heater and electrical panel.
Basement, Crawl Spaces and Attics
- Check to ensure that the crawl space is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary.
- Remove paints, solvents, gas, wood and similar materials from crawl space, basement and attic.
- Update attic ventilation if none is present.
- If windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.
Doors and Windows
- Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition. Replace cracked windowpanes.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
- Ensure that all plumbing fixtures such as the toilet, tub, shower, and sinks are in proper working condition. Fix any leaks and caulk around fixtures if necessary.
- Ensure GFCI receptacles are functional.
- Check bath vents to see if they are properly vented and in working condition.
- Clear out areas under sinks so they can be inspected.
For more questions or for a specific update on YOUR neighborhood in the Lafayette, Indiana area – call The Romanski Group at (765) 404.5095 for a FREE Seller Consultation. Using an experienced team is the way to go to get your home SOLD! Don’t you deserve the BEST Realtor in the Lafayette Indiana area?! Click Here to learn more about our Guaranteed Home Sale Program!
