Preparing a home for an inspection is a vital part of the inspection process. A properly prepared home will lessen the stress of the inspection, for all parties, by ensuring the inspection goes smoothly and that there are no additional fees charged by the home inspection company.
Below is a list of items a seller should address prior to the inspection.
This list that may be useful for you in getting your house ready for a home buyer’s inspection. The majority of these items can be completed at little to no cost and are part of a regular maintenance plan for any home.
Pets
Ensure that all pets are secured and or removed from the premises. Inspector reserves the right to cancel inspection if pets are deemed unsafe, Full fee for inspection will be due.
Utilities
All the utilities should be turned on before the inspector arrives. Including The Electricity, Water, & Gas if applicable. Additional fees will apply if the inspector has to make an additional trip.
Exterior
All exterior doors are accessible.
Be sure all door locks are working properly.
Be sure keys are available for all locked doors.
Remove soil or mulch from contact with siding. Six or more inches of clearance is best.
Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from the foundation of the home.
Interior
Be sure all doorways and closets are accessible. The inspector is not required to move furniture, personal items.
Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked window panes.
Heating and Air Conditioning.
Clean or replace heating and cooling filters, clean dirty air returns and plenum.
Have the chimney, fireplace or wood stove serviced and provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.
Electrical
Be sure the main electrical panel and any sub-panels are not blocked. (VERY COMMON)
Replace all burned out or missing light bulbs.
Replace all broken and missing receptacle and switch cover plates.
Ensure GFCI receptacles are functional.
Plumbing
Repair any known leaks and all malfunctioning components, i.e. loose faucet handles, inoperable sink stoppers and ventilation fans.
Be sure access to the under sink plumbing is not blocked at Kitchens and Bathrooms.
Ensure that all plumbing fixtures such as the toilet, tub, shower, and sinks are in proper working condition.
Check bath vents to see if they are properly vented and in working condition.
Clear out areas under sinks so they can be inspected
Basement, Crawl Spaces and Attics
Remove all wood debris from the crawl space. (Very Common)
Remove belongings that may be blocking and/or preventing entry to the attic and or crawlspace. The inspector is not required to move furniture, personal items.
Check to ensure that the crawl space is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary.
Check crawl space and attics for animals.