7 Tips for Preparing for Your Home With the Home Inspector

Homeowners need to prepare for a home inspection before selling their property. Early preparations allow you to anticipate problems, prevent surprises, and make the process easier. You don't want the home inspector to find fixtures with parts falling apart because you were unprepared.

In some local jurisdictions, the seller must issue the buyer with a report of home inspection. Other local governments only require the homeowner to provide disclosures. The buyer may proceed to get another review. Regardless of the requirements of the local government, it is advisable to be meticulous with the preparations.

Clean the house

Cleaning the home is a good idea for creating a good impression. Inspectors may be professionals, but they are people first. Don't assume they will overlook the grime and dirt. They may get the idea that you are not thorough in maintaining your home.

clear access

The home inspector needs access to critical areas of your home. If certain parts of the house are not inspected, they will not be included in the report. To buyers, it may raise questions about the condition of the area. You could get a re-inspection, but at an extra cost.

You, therefore, need to allow access to areas that are usually inaccessible. They include: the furnace, air conditioning unit, electrical box, and the water heater. Do not forget to keep the sprinkler system and the garage door accessible.

Ensure that other areas within the house are not blocked by boxes or furniture. Secure three- to four-feet of space in front of the entrance of any critical area. The utilities need to remain on to facilitate the inspection.

clear the perimeter

In addition to making areas around your home accessible, you also need to clear a path. In the summer ,take time to cut down the tree branches and shrubs. Remove obstructions that may block the path such as trash cans and storage bags.

Any overhanging vegetation around your property will not create the best impression. Offshoots leaning on roofs can facilitate the growth of moss which can shorten the roof life. Debris may fall and destroy your property. They can be used by pests and rodents as access points to get into the home.

repair fixtures and replace bulbs

Do not ignore the minor fixes such as repair of fixtures, and the restoration of the electrical system. Inspectors mostly do an overview of the installation. If the lights are not working, they may not be in a position to establish whether it is the bulb, or whether there is an underlying issue.

Some of the necessary repairs you need to make before a home inspection include:

• Replacement of bulbs
• Repair any damage on the roof
• Unclog the drain
• Replace torn screens and
• Repair insulation in the attic

Have your home checked

You need to do a thorough check of the systems in your home and have them fixed before the inspector arrives. Homes with the plaster walls may have hairline cracks which are often insignificant. Exposure to the elements causes the wall to expand and contract, resulting in misalignment. However, if you spot any cracks in the foundation or exterior of the house, it needs to be checked before a home inspection.

Flickering bulbs may be a sign of an underlying electrical problem. Check the windows and doors for sounds of creaking. Ensure that the gas lines and chimney entry points are capped, the could cause a carbon monoxide hazard. Check for any signs of termites and rodents, and call pest control if necessary.

last minute preparations

You need to be ready for the home inspection early since inspectors are known for their punctuality. You should be done with the preparations at least half-an-hour before the appointment time. You can leave notes or a sketch explaining the location of various utilities. If you have had new installations recently, such as roof or cabinets, leave the invoices with the inspector.

Let the home inspector be

It is a good idea to let the inspector do his job without your presence. You can take your children and pets with you as they could be an obstruction. Take three hours before returning home, which is typically how long the home inspector will take.