Steps to Prepare Your House for a Home Inspection

You have finally decided to sell off your house. The home inspection is due at any moment. The last thing you want is for the home inspector to find fault with your house. You do not want the inspector to provide a bad review of the house.

Steps to Prepare Your House for a Home Inspection

The only way to avoid this is by preparing your house for a home inspection. By keeping your house neat and clean and well maintained you automatically enter the good books of the inspector.

Steps to Prepare Your House for a Home Inspection

Here are a few simple steps to follow to prepare your house for a home inspection

Clean the House

Make sure that your house is well organized and thoroughly cleaned before the inspector comes. After all, the first impression is the best. And you do not want the inspector to get a feel that the house is not properly maintained.

Clean every nook and corner of the house, especially areas that are normally neglected like lighting fixtures, electric appliances, and window sills. If possible, vacuum the carpet thoroughly and wash the curtain as well.

If you have a beautiful garden outside, remember to mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and clean the driveway.

If there is any tree with a low-hanging branch that touches the roof, remember to trim that as well. You can also try to beautify the garden by placing a few flowering plants in there.

Provide Access to All Areas

The inspector would want to inspect every nook and corner of the house. Hence, clear all the access areas off any storage items and provide easy access.

Attention should be paid to the attic, the area under the sink, and the space behind electric appliances. Along with clearing the access area, make sure that the place is also dusted and cleaned.

Do all the Replacements/Repairs

Do all the necessary replacements or repairs before the day of inspection. If the bulb in your light fixture is not working, remember to replace it.

A broken doorknob, missing key, and non-working fan all can leave a bad impression. Check the home thoroughly at least a week before inspection and do all the repair

Check All the Fixtures

Furnace filters, fire alarms, smoke detectors, etc. should be checked thoroughly and replaced or repaired wherever required. This shows that you pay attention even to minute details.

Turn On the Power and Utilities

If the house is vacant for some time, remember to turn on the power on the day of inspection.

The inspector would want to check the stove, air conditioner, furnace, and even electric appliances. Hence, make sure that not only the power is turned on, but all the utilities are connected.

Check Cracks and Clogs

All cracks in windows and doors and even broken screens should be repaired before the inspection.

In places with wide temperature fluctuation, cracks might appear on walls both inside and outside the house. This should also be fixed. All windows and doors should be checked for alignment.

Similarly, turn on all the taps and make sure that the water flows freely. If there is any clog, use a drain cleaning solution or baking powder and vinegar solution to de-clog the drain. If the drain is blocked, then you should call in a plumber and get it repaired.

Check for Bug Infestation

Make sure that your house is not infested with bugs. Even the sight of tiny ants can leave bad marks. Pay special attention to termites as they can destroy wood. This will even show up in your inspection report.

Last but not least, if you were part of a home inspection (whether for purchasing or selling your old property) not in the distant past, it would be a good idea to check the inspection report for any flaws or issues that have come up. You can try to rectify the same in the present property.

When a home inspection is scheduled, both the home and the owner should be prepared for the same. Make sure that you are on time and present even before the inspector reaches the house.

Try to keep kids and pets away as they can be a distraction when the inspection is going on. Also, make sure that you have enough time on hand as the inspection can take a few hours.