When you’re selling your house, it can be both exciting and stressful. You have to prepare your house to list it, keep it clean and orderly for showings, and once it’s under contract, get it ready for the buyer’s inspection. Here are some things you can do to prepare for a home inspection.
Clear the Perimeter to Prepare for a Home Inspection
The home inspector will need to inspect the outside of your house. To prepare for a home inspection, clear around the perimeter to give him or her easy access. The inspector will check the grading and landscaping to make sure there isn’t the potential for water to leak into the basement or crawlspace. He or she will look to see if there are any cracks in the visible part of the foundation. If anything is leaning against the exterior of the home or blocking the view, clear it away.
Trim Trees Away from the Gutters and Roof
Prepare for a home inspection by trimming trees away from the gutters and roof. Gutters can become clogged with leaves and roofs are damaged by tree branches leaning on them. Moss and mildew form more often on roofs shaded by trees.
The home inspector needs to inspect the entire roof so make sure it is visible. It will be better for your inspection report if the roof and gutters are cleared of leaves, debris, and overhanging tree branches.
Clean the House and Clear All Areas that Need to be Checked
It’s best to clean and declutter your house before a home inspection. Clear out all areas that the inspector will need to access. The home inspector will need to check under sinks, the furnace and water heater area, the electrical panel area, the water meter area, the attic, crawlspace, closets, and more.
Replace the Furnace Filter to Prepare for a Home Inspection
It’s best to get your furnace and central air conditioning systems serviced before listing your house to make sure they are in good working order. If you haven’t done that, at least change the air filter to prepare for a home inspection. A clean filter is a sign that you have been taking care of your HVAC system.
Prepare for a Home Inspection by Checking Light Bulbs
Take a look around your house inside and outside to make sure all of the light bulbs work. Otherwise, the home inspector might think there is something wrong with the light fixtures or wiring.
Replace the Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors will be tested by the home inspector. Test them before the inspection and replace the batteries if necessary.
Make Sure Your Toilets Work and No Faucets are Leaking
Go around the house and flush all of the toilets. Make sure they aren’t running after you flush them. It’s also a good idea to go around the house and make sure the faucets all work correctly and there is no water dripping or leaking from any of them. Look under the sinks in your bathrooms and kitchen to make sure there are no leaking pipes.
These are some good ideas to help you get prepared for a home inspection. When your home inspection goes well, it will help your closing process move along more smoothly.
TUFF Home Inspections provides home inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.