As a seller, knowing how to prepare for a home inspection gives you a big advantage in the home selling process. Many sellers think that once the sales contract has been signed that the deal is done. Unfortunately, many sellers have found that is not necessarily the case.
The home inspection is a critical part of the home-selling process. A buyer has probably made the commitment on paper to purchase your home, or wants to, and they want the inspection to be successful and justify that commitment. You can make a big difference with how the inspection fares and if the sale continues down the road to completion.
How To Prepare For a Home Inspection
It’s going to take some effort on your part to show your home in the best possible light. Here are 10 things you can do to get your home ready for an inspection.
1.) Keep your home in the best possible showing condition.
Keeping your home spotless isn’t easy as you take care of kids, pets, and prepare to move. But do your best. You want the home to look just as good for the inspection as you did when you first showed it.
2.) Keep things unlocked.
Your electrical panel, gates, storage areas, or any other area you keep locked should be unlocked and accessible. Buyers can become uneasy if an inspector can’t get access to important areas, and you may have to pay to have the inspector come back out.
3.) Remove all obstructions.
Any items that would hinder the inspector from accessing the attic, water heater, HVAC equipment, windows, doors, etc. should be moved and neatly stored. Clear the perimeter of the home from vegetation, trash cans, and stored items so the perimeter can be checked.
4.) Check batteries and light bulbs.
Remotes for blinds and fans should be operational, and smoke alarms shouldn’t be chirping. Burned out light bulbs will make the inspection report, so make sure they’re burning brightly.
5.) Make sure toilets are functioning properly.
Fixing a running toilet is a simple repair you can do yourself with an inexpensive part or two from the hardware store. Be sure to take care of this before the inspection.
6.) Ensure the circuit breaker panel or fuse box is properly labeled.
Confusing panels or boxes are frustrating for both homeowners and inspectors. Double-check that each breaker or fuse is labeled correctly. Replace any difficult to read labels.
7.) Turn on all pilot lights.
The pilot lights in your water heater and gas stove are probably on, but check to be sure before you leave the house for the inspection. And if the pilot light for your fireplace has been turned off, be sure to turn it on before the inspector arrives.
8.) Check the roof.
The roof is a key component of the inspection, so take a look at it beforehand. Clean debris from the gutters, check for missing or damaged shingles, make sure downspouts are in their proper position. If you find damage, get it repaired before the inspection.
9.) Check your doors.
Interior and exterior doors should be latching into the frame with no problems. Doorknobs should be securely in place, and all locks need to be functioning properly. Be sure to check all doors you don’t use very often.
10.) Be ready the day of inspection.
Keep all utilities on, and be ready at least an hour before the inspector gets there in case they arrive early. Be prepared to vacate the house during the inspection, and take pets with you or crate them if you need to leave them behind.
Now that you know how to prepare for a home inspection, you’ll be able to show your home with pride and without worry. If you’ll invest a little time in getting your home ready for the inspection, you’ll find that it will go smoothly for you and you’ll be putting your home in a more favorable light for the inspector and the buyer. It’s worth the extra effort.
If as a seller, you are looking for even more leverage in the home selling process, you can contact a home inspector for a presale home inspection before you even list your home. This will allow you to address any issues they find and give you the ability to more accurately price your home.
The home inspection is a very important element of the home sale. Contact Lucent Property Inspections today to learn about Central Illinois’ best home inspection company. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you make the sale of your home a reality.