Deciding to sell your home is usually the easy part. What is challenging is actually prepping it
for sale, and a big part of that involves getting your home ready for an inspection.
Of course, as a seller, it’s in your best interest to ensure that the home inspection process goes as smoothly as possible.
In today’s article, McCaw Management in Arlington will walk you through some of the things
you can do to get ready for a home inspection.
What exactly is the job of a home inspector?
Essentially, the job of a home inspector is to determine the current condition of a home through non-invasive methods. The inspector places an emphasis on evaluating things like the HVAC system, electrical system, plumbing system, foundation, walls, and roof.
Inspectors will also check for signs of water damage, such as leaks, mold and mildew, as well as for the operational ability of systems such as carbon monoxide detectors and garbage disposals.
As a seller, it is understandably easy to become panicky during the inspection process.
Obviously, the last thing you want is for the inspector to find issues with your home that can
potentially derail the selling process. Fortunately, there are things you can do to your home before the inspector arrives that can help make your home inspection a successful one.
Tip #1: Make your home easily accessible to the inspector.
If the home inspector can’t get to an area, then they won’t be able to do their job smoothly. And, this will be a red flag for buyers. Therefore, make sure to clear any clutter that can impede the inspector’s access to areas or systems. Including, under sinks, furnace rooms, attics, and basements.
Tip #2: Get water-related issues repairs beforehand.
Checking for water-related issues is something that you can be sure the home inspector won’t
miss. As such, beat them to it and get any water-related problems fixed before the inspection.
When looking for water leaks, make sure to check under any appliances, around faucets, under sinks, and around the base of your showers, bathtubs and/or toilets.
When it comes to water damage, examine the floors, ceilings, and walls, looking for signs of
buckling, sagging, or warping. You also don’t want to forget to check your home’s exterior for
signs of water damage or leaks as well.
Tip #3: Check your doors.
Take a walk-through around your house and check to ensure that it is working properly. Exterior and interior doors should all be latching into the frame properly without any issues, and doorknobs and locks should be securely in place and functioning properly as well.
Tip #4: Replace the furnace filter.
Regular replacement of the furnace filter is crucial for air quality and the overall functioning of
your HVAC system. Rather than make the home inspector concerned that you haven’t been
taking care of your HVAC’s system, clean or replace your existing filter and show them that you regularly maintain your home.
Tip #5: Ensure your toilets are functioning properly.
Does your toilet fill minutes later, after you flush it? Do you have to double flush your toilet?
Does your toilet take forever to fill? Does your toilet run for a few seconds and shut-off? Does
your toilet “phantom flush”? These are issues that you don’t want the home inspector to come upon. Luckily, fixing toilet problems is often easy and inexpensive. As a matter of fact, you can easily take care of most issues with a simple trip to your local hardware store.
Tip #6: Replace any blown bulbs.
Blown bulbs mean either of two things. Either the bulb itself is out, or that there is something
faulty with the wiring of the fixture. And this will give the inspector two options. One, to
determine the root cause of the problem, or two, to simply jot down a note that there is a possible defect with the fixture without looking any further. So, dodge any of these scenarios by ensuring that all of your light bulbs are functioning as they should.
Tip #7: Keep your home clean and tidy.
This is obvious. When selling your house, the goal is to make it as attractive as possible to
would-be buyers. So, resist the urge to let things build up after receiving an offer and maintain
the same level of cleanliness for the home inspector.
Tip #8: Check the roof
Do you remember the last time you checked your roof? If you are like most homeowners, it must have been a while. Remember, though, the roof is a critical component of the home inspection process.
So, get on a ladder and clean any debris or moss from the gutters . Check for any missing or
damaged tiles. You also want to ensure that downspouts are positioned correctly. And if you
observe any damage, get it taken care of by a professional.
There you have it. 8 proven tips to help you get through your home inspection with flying colors!
Article courtesy of Mike with McCaw Property Management in Arlington, TX.