THE HOME INSPECTOR

Prepare your house for an Inspection.

 

What will a home inspector be looking at and how you can prepare for a home inspection? The below listing may be helpful in preparing for a home inspection. Many of these items can be done with little or no cost and many are regular maintenance items for a home.

 

 

• Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Six (6) or more inches of clearance is preferred.

• Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.

• Divert all water away from the house; i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drains, etc. Grade should slope away from the structure. Clean out basement entry drains.

• Trim trees, roots and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding and chimney.

• Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around the trim, chimney, windows and doors.

• Seal asphalt driveways, if cracking.

• Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal fluecap.

• Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.

• Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.

• Test all smoke detectors to ensure they are in safe working condition.

• Update attic ventilation if none is present.

• Have the chimney, fireplace or woodstove cleaned and provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.

• Seal masonry walls in the basement.

• Don’t do quick cheap repairs. You may raise questions that will unfairly cause great concern to buyers and inspectors.

• Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked window panes.

• Ensure that all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower, and sinks) are in proper working conditions. Check for and fix any leaks. Caulk around fixtures if necessary.

• Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources. Test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.

• Check sump pump for proper operation.

• Replace any burned out light bulbs.

• Remove rotting wood and/or firewood from contact with the house.

• Ensure that proper grading is followed under a deck.

• Install proper vapor barrier in crawlspaces.

• Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.

• Check to ensure that the crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary. Remove any visible moisture from a crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18% to deter rot and mildew.

• Check that bath vents are properly vented and in working condition.

• Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc., from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.

• If windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.

• Have clear access to attic, crawlspace, heating system, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.

• If the house is vacant, make sure that all utilities are turned on, including water, electric, water heater, furnace, air condition and breaks in the main panel.