If you’re selling a home and are preparing for an official home inspection, there are a few things you need to set the stage for a stress-free experience. First, let’s talk about what will happen. A licensed professional will perform a visual inspection of the structure and components of the home. The purpose is to determine if there are any items not performing correctly or safety concerns. Any issues found will be noted in a written report.
Some of the systems that are usually inspected include heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, windows and doors, foundation, basement, and garage.
The first thing to do when preparing your home for sale for an inspection is to make sure it looks its best, inside and out. Check for minor repairs that you or a handyman can accomplish such as loose carpet, disconnected gutters, missing shingles, and leaky faucets.
Some of these might seem minor but fixing them now not only means you’ll have less to worry when the inspection is done, it also shows the inspector and the buyers that you’ve taken good care of your home.
Next, clean your house top to bottom. This may seem like a no-brainer, but so many homeowners forget to do this. A clean home makes a good first impression on the home inspector and sets the stage for the entire process.
In addition to small repairs and cleaning, here are a few more things to consider before the big day:
- Make room: Check with your Realtor, but it’s usually a given that items like the furnace, air conditioner and water heater will be inspected. Be sure to clear away any clutter and leave plenty of space for the inspector.
- Leave utilities connected: The inspector will test things like the stove, dishwasher, furnace and air conditioning so be sure they have power, even if the house is empty.
- Leave keys and remotes: Be sure to leave keys or remotes for anything secured in the home the inspector will need access to, including garage door openers, electrical boxes, exterior building access, etc.
Should I attend my home inspection? Home inspections are usually a time when buyers tour the home at leisure with the inspector and their agent, so it’s best to give them the space to do so. If the buyer’s agent has a question they can reach out to the selling agent, so best practice is to make sure you are available for calls or texts if there are any questions.