Tips To Prepare for Your Home Inspection
Prior to having your home inspected the home owner can prevent the report having annoying comments that may leave doubts in the mind of the seller concerning the house and systems by ensuring the following:
- Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
- Ensure pets won’t hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside.
- Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a “light is inoperable” report that may suggest an electrical problem.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace dead batteries.
- Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as “conducive conditions” for termites or moisture problems.
- Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
- Unlock areas the inspector must access – attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.
- Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches, windowpanes, screens and locks, gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.
Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!