Preparing your home for the Home Inspection

 Several times a week, I enter a stranger’s house to perform what’s become an expected part of most real estate deals --- a home inspection.  Yet I find, too often, that while a seller may have gone to great lengths to make a house ready for a real estate agent to show, it’s not always ready to inspect.  From my observations, as well as conversations with agents, buyers and sellers, there are a few minor repairs and maintenance chores that sellers can do to reduce the number of defects that will show up on the inspection report.

Here’s a checklist that can help your house inspect as well as it shows:
Expect the inspection to take 2-3 hours for an average size home (1000-2500 sq. ft.) Don’t rush it.
__Clear out all storage items from the oven
__The dishwasher will be run, do not run it just before the inspection.  You can put soap in it if you like.
__ Place all breakables, antiques and other valuables out of the way.
__Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work.  If an fixture bulb is out, the inspector has to note that the fixture does not operate correctly.
__Provide access to the furnace, water heater and electrical panel.  Also, the inspector must be able to remove the electrical panel cover. (remove any locks on panels and control boxes)
__ Install a new furnace/AC  filter.  It will be looked at during the inspection and be considered as a part of the overall condition of the furnace, AC or heat pump.
__ Ensure that windows & coverings are accessible & operate smoothly.  If some are stuck or painted shut, the impression will be that many windows cannot open.  Also, remove window security screws or provide keys for window security locks.
___Replace all damaged window screens.
___Tighten all doorknobs and tighten or repair all handrails.  Also, check to be sure that all interior doors will latch to the strike plate.
___Clear the way to the attic access panel or pull down, especially in a closet.  The inspector will enter every attic.
___Be sure that there is a minimum of one smoke detector per floor.
___Provide keys or unlock sheds and outbuildings.
___Verify all utilities will be on at the time of inspection.
___Have pilot lights on to water heater, furnace, fireplace and stove.
___Remove or restrain pets on site.
 

In addition, be prepared for the inspector to operate and look in the following:
• Kitchen appliances, A/C, furnace, evaporative cooler, all doors and windows, all plumbing fixtures, garage doors, switches, ceiling fans, pool/spa equipment, whirlpool tubs etc. closets and cabinets
 

Allow the inspector to work without interruption. They are working  and have a lot of liability with their job. Treat the inspector with the respect of a professional and you are more likely to get a professional job.
 

 If the pre-inspection agreement can be read and signed before the inspection it works better for all the parties involved.
 

A little cooperation from all parties can make this transaction an enjoyable one for their client.

This list is provided by How’s My House Home Inspections LLC to assist with the inspection process.  Many other items will be inspected; this is just an example of the most common obstacles.
For more information, or to book an inspection call How’s My House at 516-732-7595 or check out www.howsmyhousehomeinspections.com

For a printable version of this list click here