Selling your home can be a lot of stressful work. You have to get your home ready to list for sale, keep it clean for showings, and wait for an offer. It’s best to be prepared when it comes time for the home inspection. Here are 7 things sellers can do to prepare for a home inspection.
Make Sure All Areas are Accessible For the Home Inspector
Prepare for a home inspection by clearing out all areas that the home inspector needs to access. Clean and organize all the under-the-sink cabinets so the inspector can check the plumbing pipes. Make sure the furnace, water heater, and mechanical systems are all accessible by moving stored items out of the way. Move furniture away from any electrical outlets. All areas in the attic and basement should be accessible and free of clutter. Clear exterior areas of your home so the inspector can check the foundation, siding, windows, and grading.
Prepare for a Home Inspection by Having Your HVAC System Cleaned and Checked
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system should be cleaned and checked by a technician twice a year. It’s also a good idea to change your HVAC filter. Have this work done before the home inspection so that the report will reflect that you’ve properly maintained the HVAC system.
Replace Dead Light Bulbs
Go around the house and turn on all of the light fixtures and ceiling fans. If any light bulbs are out, it’s important to replace them to prepare for the home inspection. If they still don’t work, it’s a problem with the light fixture or the electrical connection itself. If all the light fixtures don’t work in a certain area, check your circuit breakers.
Check Faucets and Toilets for Leaks
Another way to prepare for a home inspection is to turn on and off all of the water faucets. Make sure there aren’t any obvious leaks. If you see any active water leaks, fix these before the home inspection. Flush toilets to make sure they aren’t running.
Check the Roof and Gutters to Prepare for a Home Inspection
Get up on a ladder and check the roof. Make sure there aren’t any large branches on the roof. Check for any missing or loose roof shingles. Clean any debris or leaves out of the gutters. Also, make sure the downspouts are well-attached and able to direct water away from the home.
Check Your Doors and Cabinet Doors
Prepare for a home inspection by making sure all of your doors and cabinet doors close and latch properly. They can easily be adjusted if needed.
Take Care of Bug Problems to Prepare for a Home Inspection
If you have any problems with pests, hire an exterminator to take care of them before the inspection.
It’s easier to repair a small issue before it becomes a bigger problem that is more expensive to fix. The goal is to eliminate any problems that would be listed in the inspection report.
Florida Superior Inspections provides home inspection services to home buyers and sellers in the Tampa area. Contact us to schedule a home inspection.