Basic Inspection Preparation Tips.

There are several essential processes that take place when a home is sold, and one of these is the home inspection! A home inspection is an examination of a home’s condition and safety before it is sold, and it’s something I go over thoroughly with my sellers, and my buyers! The potential buyer will pay close attention to the home inspection results, as will lenders, so it is important to do what you can to ensure this home inspection goes as smoothly as possible. 

As follows are the basic home inspection preparation tips outlined by RE/MAX to help you prepare for your home inspection:

• Confirm that gas, electric and water services are on, including the main gas and water shutoff valves and the main electric circuit breaker.
• Confirm that all circuit breakers in the electrical panel are on for circuits in use. 
• Make sure that all circuit breakers or fuses are properly sized. 
• Install cover plates on light switches, outlets and junction box covers.
• Replace burned out light bulbs.

• Confirm that gas and water shutoff valves for individual appliances and components are on.
• Confirm water heater extension pipe (with a non-threaded pipe) is installed within a few inches of the floor.
• Empty the dishwasher.
• Remove items from the top of toilet tanks. 
• Make any small repairs you can ahead of time, such as leaky water faucets or pipes.
• Clear all items obstructing access to crawl spaces. This is especially important for attic access doors inside closets. Remove enough clothes to make room for a ladder and cover remaining clothes with a sheet to prevent them from being soiled by falling insulation or other debris.
• Remove clothes from inside and above the washer and dryer. Clean dryer vent.
• Have the furnace and air conditioning units cleaned before the inspection and replace filters.
• Ensure that pets are secured or removed from the house during the inspection.
• Have excessive storage and/or furnishings moved away from interior/exterior walls to provide access for inspectors. 
• Install handrails on all stairways.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed per state guidelines and working properly. Replace any dead batteries.
• Notify any alarm monitoring services of the date and time of the inspection.

If you follow these guidelines in preparing your home, you are well on your way to having a seamless and low stress home inspection! As always, if you have any questions about your specific situation, do not hesitate to reach out. It is my goal to help you sell or buy your home, and “unlock new doors”, with confidence!