Home inspections are important for determining the condition of a home, whether you’re a buyer or a homeowner wishing to sell in the near future. There are ways you can prepare for a home inspection as a seller.
Home inspections are a standard part of the sale transaction in many areas, so it helps to know more about the process and why it’s important. The inspector will go through the property looking at everything from the foundation to the roof to make sure nothing is amiss.
Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Home
Regular maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a home inspection. This includes tasks like changing the air filters in your HVAC system, checking the smoke detectors, checking and cleaning your gutters, trimming back any overgrown trees or bushes, and testing the water pressure.
Ensure all exterior lighting fixtures are working during darker months. By doing these simple tasks on a regular basis, you will help avoid costly and time-consuming last-minute repairs.
Make Sure the Property is Accessible
For the inspector to do their job thoroughly, they need to access all parts of the property. This means that any clutter or obstructions need to be cleared away so that the inspector can move around freely. This will help prevent further delays due to blocked entrances or pathways.
To access anything requiring entry, like outdoor sheds and garages, be sure to provide all keys and garage door openers as well as passcodes. Doing so will allow the inspector to access the area and give you important findings and recommendations.
Make Sure the Utilities are on to Prepare for a Home Inspection
This is an important tip for any seller who may no longer live in the home. Before the scheduled inspection time, make sure that all major utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are turned on.
One of the main purposes of a home inspection is to check the condition of the property’s major systems, such as the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. The home inspector is unable to check many items while the electricity is off. Turn on the utilities so the inspector can test components and identify any potential issues.
Have All Important Documents on Hand
Keep all important documents available like the deed, home insurance policy, warranty information for appliances, and significant home-related receipts. Having these documents ready will help the inspector verify that everything is in order and address any potential concerns.
It’s also helpful to have a list of recent repairs or renovations and contact information for any contractors who have worked on the house. If any of these aren’t readily available, be sure to let the inspector know beforehand so they can schedule an extra visit if necessary.
Prepare for a Home Inspection by Making Necessary Repairs to the Property
If you’re aware of any repairs that need to be made to the property, go ahead and make them ahead of the home inspection. This might include fixing leaking faucets, repairing cracks in the wall, and patching up holes. Doing so gives the inspector a more complete picture of the home and will make the need for a follow-up inspection less likely. Hire a professional for any major repairs, like electrical or HVAC service.
Rock Solid Property Inspections provides home inspection services to customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact us to request an appointment.