As a home seller, you can expect the buyer to order a home inspection before closing. There are some things that sellers can do to help the home inspection go more smoothly. When you’re preparing for a home inspection, follow these tips.
1. Remove Clutter When Preparing for a Home Inspection
Excess clutter makes it difficult for the inspector to access all of the areas that need to be examined. Clear away clutter in advance so that the inspector can better access your property and provide a more complete inspection.
The inspector will also inspect the full exterior of the house, so pick up debris and clear the yard so he or she can navigate easily outside. You’ll also want to remove items from under sinks, in the basement, against the siding, and away from any areas that have caulking.
2. Check for Leaks
Prior to having a home inspector visit your property, it’s important to look for leaks when preparing for a home inspection. One of the main things the inspector will look for is leaks and water damage.
Prepare in advance by checking for warped or stained areas. Sagging and bulging materials also may point to leaks. If you are able to fix the leak before the inspection, the inspector will note any water damage but not a current leak. It’s best to also repair any water damaged areas if time permits.
3. Remove Pets
Pets can get in the way of a home inspection. Preparing for a home inspection includes removing or crating all the pets that are on the property. The seller is not typically at the buyer’s inspection, so you will want to make sure all parties are free to move around your home during the inspection. Moving or crating your pets also keeps them safe while strangers are in your home.
4. Check Your Lights When Preparing for a Home Inspection
Each room of the home needs to be well-lit so the inspector can see clearly. Dim hallways or kitchens make it challenging for an inspector to report accurately on the condition of the house. Open the blinds to let sunlight in, and replace any burned-out light bulbs. Making sure the light bulbs are working also helps the inspector to verify that all the light fixtures are operational.
5. Turn on the Pilot Lights
As you’re preparing for a home inspection, you should turn on any pilot lights for the water heater, furnace, stove, and gas fireplace. Many inspectors don’t turn on pilot lights themselves because of the liability. These appliances can only be properly inspected if the pilot light is lit.
6. Provide Access to Locked Areas
Provide keys to any areas that are usually locked. If the inspector can’t access a locked area, the buyer may not be satisfied with an incomplete inspection, which can cause delays in your closing process.
Preparing for a home inspection requires a few different steps. Getting the property ready ahead of time will allow the inspector to work quickly and efficiently with no issues or obstacles. This helps your homebuyer be more confident about the inspection results and moving through with the home purchase.
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