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Certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors - Click here to verify.
Certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors - Click here to verify.
Preparing Your Home
37 Things to Do Before the Inspector Arrives
There are hundreds of things that an inspector looks at when evaluating your home.  It is a great idea to fix as many possible problems yourself before the inspector arrives.  You will find that many are inexpensive or free if you do the work yourself.
 
  • An inspector notices, right away, the condition of the home and if it has been properly maintained.  A clean home that looks well maintained shows the inspector that you care about the property.  Do your best to tidy up.

  • If house is vacant, be sure that all utilities are turned on for the inspection.

  • Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection.  Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside.  Tell your agent about any pets at home.

  • Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches, face plates; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

  • Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or more inches of clearance. This is a leading cause of mold growth as well as insect infestation.

  • Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.

  • Divert all water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc.    Grade should slope away from structure. Clean out basement entry drains.

  • Trim trees, roots and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding, and chimney.

  • Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors.

  • Seal asphalt driveways if it is cracking.

  • Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install a metal flue cap.

  • Clean or replace HVAC filter. Filters should fit securely.  Clean dirty air returns and plenum.

  • Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.

  • Test all smoke detectors, install CO detectors if needed.

  • Update attic ventilation if none is present.

  • Clean & service chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide a copy for the buyer).

  • Seal masonry walls in basement if old stains are present.

  • Don't do quick or cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs) this will clue in an Inspector that amateur work has been done and will tend to make him look even closer at the house.

  • Put all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including any cracked windows.

  • Put all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for any visible leaks and repair them.

  • Install GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas (any outlets within 6 feet of a water source), and test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.

  • Check sump pump for proper operation and inspect condition of crock (pit) and drain-tile.

  • Replace any burned out light bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.

  • Remove rotting wood and all firewood from contact with house.

  • Proper grading is recommended under deck, with filter cloth and gravel.

  • Peroxide in sump pump or condensate drains will reduce odors and bacteria.

  • Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.

  • Caulk all tub and shower fixtures.

  • Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors.

  • Check that the crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier. Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 20%, to deter rot and mildew.

  • Check that bathrooms are properly vented.

  • Remove paints, solvents, gas, debris, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, and porch.

  • Check that toilets are secured tightly to the floor.

  • Where windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.

  • Remove grade from contact with foundation vents.

  • Have clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.

  • Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.