Things You Need To Know to Pass Your Home Inspection When Selling

The Building inspector begins to form an opinion of your home the minute he pulls up in front of it. So its important to have it looking its best starting with the outside and working your way inside. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it can be neat and tidy and display a sense of pride.

Clean up the yard

Driveways, walkways and entryways should all be free of any clutter, kids toys etc. Grass should be cut or yard raked, shrubs trimmed, gardens tidy and raked, out of season decorations removed and put away and the yard should be free of debris and garbage.

Clean the house

Sounds simple, yet home owners often overlook this. A clean home says that you take care of the house.

Clean underneath your sinks

Many home inspectors will inspect underneath your inks for leaks or moisture damage. If this area is dirty or cluttered it may be impossible to determine if there is an issue and this ambiguity will translate in the inspector’s report.

Remove the clutter

Provide space to work around. Boxes, old collectibles, furniture stacked in front of the furnace and water heater, electric panel or in front of basement foundation walls prevents inspectors from gaining access to integral areas of your home. No access, means uncertainty and this will translate in your inspection report. Remove boxes, bookcases, furniture, and anything else blocking access.

Make sure the utilities are connected

The home inspector will need to turn on the stove, run the dishwasher, and test the furnace, air conditioning etc. Without utilities, the inspector will have to reschedule. And will likely not be happy!

Keep pilot lights ignited

Most home inspectors will refuse to light pilot lights because they are not covered for that type of liability. If your pilot lights are not lit, important items such as the water heater, gas stove, fireplace or furnace will not be inspected and the buyer could delay fulfilling their conditions until those inspections are completed.

Provide access to attic, crawl space, garage, storage areas

The inspector will need to get into your attic, basement, crawl space and garage so remove any boxes, furniture or debris away from these areas and away from the walls in these areas so the inspector can have easy access without upsetting your belongings. Also, vacuum spider webs in these areas. Inspectors hate those!

Leave Keys for Outbuildings & Electrical Boxes

Leave the remote controls for your garage door opener or a key if the garage is unattached to the house. Unlock the covers for your sprinkler system and electrical box. Leave a key for exterior building access.

Provide Repair Documents

Make available all invoices and documents regarding remodeling projects or new items such as a roof or furnace.

Replace burned out light bulbs

A burnt bulb could be the difference between a clean pass on your electrical inspection and question marks about your wiring. When in doubt, check your bulbs, so when your inspector goes to check he isn’t left wondering whether or not the fixture is wired properly.

Be ready on time

The Inspectors often arrive early and get started on the outside first. Make sure the home is ready and you have vacated before the Inspectors arrives. They don't like to meet their victims!

Leave

We can't emphasize the importance of this. An inspection is a 4 or 5 hour long process and the Inspector needs to be able to move about your home freely so they can properly do their job.