Selling your home is a long process. One of the most important steps is home inspection. As a seller, it is important to prepare for a home inspection to increase the odds of a positive outcome that results in a home sale. Here are some of the best ways to get the house ready for a visit from a home inspector.
Clear Out Boxes and Clutter
You already have packed away anything that might be an eyesore for showings, but as you prepare for a home inspection, make sure the inspector has easy and open access to all parts of the house. If parts of the home are inaccessible or cluttered, it is a red flag to inspectors and buyers. The basement, attic, under-sink area, and closets that have access to plumbing should all be cleaned out as much as possible.
Take Care of Basic Repairs
As you prepare for a home inspection, you probably already know a few minor issues that will be detected. To skip them being noted on the report and potentially making a buyer think that you have failed to properly maintain the property, handle minor repairs ahead of time. These repairs include:
- Unclogging drains
- Replacing lightbulbs
- Removing and re-caulking caulk around windows, sinks, bathtubs, and plumbing fixtures
- Replacing the weatherstripping on doors and windows
- Changing the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Installing new window screens to replace ones that are torn
- Cleaning grout that is weathered or stained
Home inspectors will always note issues with these parts of the home, and handle them ahead of time shows that you care about keeping the property in good condition.
Label the Fuse Box to Prepare for a Home Inspection
Home inspectors need to check the electrical system, which means that they will be checking the fuse box. If yours is not 100% labeled or has no labels, go through each fuse and label it as you prepare for a home inspection. If you don’t do so, it will unnecessarily complicate the inspection. Worn labels that are hard to read must be replaced with new labels.
Do a Walkthrough to Prepare for a Home Inspection
On the day of the home inspector’s visit, walk through the house to ensure that nothing was forgotten. All utilities must be on, even if you are no longer occupying the home, and the inspector needs easy access to all parts of the house. Be ready to leave the house for the duration of the inspection and take any pets with you.
TUFF Home Inspections provides home inspection services to New Jersey. Contact us to schedule your appointment.