A SELLERS CHECKLIST FOR A BETTER HOME INSPECTION
- Allow 1.5 to 3 hours for the home inspection. This is typical, but will vary with conditions, size and complexity, so adjust as needed.
- Complete any minor maintenance needed that may give the impression of a home with deferred maintenance.
For example:
-Change A/C filters
-Have minor plumbing leaks fixed
-Caulk bathrooms
-Replace any deteriorated exterior wood trim
-Box/cover any exposed electrical junctions
-Clean roof, gutters and valleys
-Secure loose railings
-Replace broken glass panes
-Check exterior caulking for touch up
-Check smoke detectors
- Make sure all utilities (gas, electricity, water) are turned on to the structure and the systems are operational.
Home inspections are not pass/fail inspections and are not city code inspections.
Remove any furnishings/storage that may be blocking the systems that will need to be inspected: electrical panel, water heater, heater, A/C compressors.
Ensure the basement/crawlspace/attic access areas are unlocked and cleared for access.
Check storage areas to ensure they are unloaded and accessible.
Pets and animals should be loaded in pet cages or removed from the property temporarily.
In the course of inspecting the conditions of the property the inspector will open and close gates, attic doors, garage doors, and basements.
Pets can easily get into these areas unnoticed.
Keep in mind the inspector will operate the appliances such as the whirlpool tubs; stoves; & dishwasher. If these are in use with decorations or stored items then remove as needed.
When the inspection day arrives expect that realtors, buyers, and inspectors will arrive and park in the driveway. Expect the driveway to begin filling up 15-20 minutes before the inspection.
Feel free to leave the inspector or buyers a note if you are concerned with any items condition or want to give the inspector information about access. (I.e. why an electrical breaker is off or a switch is taped off)
The inspector will review the electrical system and test some types of breakers during the inspection so turn off the computer or back up your files as needed.
Unlock and leave any keys on kitchen counter for detached buildings such as garages or utility areas.
If someone is expected during the inspection like neighbors, cleaning person, kid's home from school leave the inspector a note.
Lawn sprinklers that are scheduled during the inspection period should be temporarily overridden and off? even home inspectors umbrellas do not work from the ground up.
Most buyers prefer that the seller allow the home inspector and purchaser to complete the home inspection process without interference from the homeowner. So plan to leave the home for this period to allow the purchaser the opportunity to get familiar with the condition of the house.
If you the seller are planning to be at home at time of the home inspection then realize the inspectors are professionals and have regimental process that they stick to in order to ensure consistent inspection quality. This means they are unlikely to alter the process for occupied rooms etc.
Hopefully this will help you in making this a smooth selling experience!
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