Congratulations! You have a contract on your home, that is great news! However, don’t pop that champagne bottle just yet–you have to get through the dreaded inspection period. According to the National Association of Home Inspectors, there is typically a 1600-item checklist when inspecting a home! That is A LOT! Take a deep breath! As a general rule, if you know something is broken in your house, the inspector is going to find it–just fix it!
Below are 10 proactive tasks you can do to prepare your home for the inspection:
1. Clean Your House. Make a good first impression. A clean house shows that you care about your property. It is also a good time to de-clutter, this will also give you a head start on packing. 😊
2. Make sure there is access to the garage and attic. Can the inspector safely open your attic door? If not, clear the way. Also, if your garage is full, the inspector will definitely need access to the electrical panel and water heater (if its in the garage); make a clean path!
3. Check to make sure all lights and smoke detectors are in working order. You may need to replace bulbs or batteries. You don’t want a remark that the lights don’t work when its just a burnt out bulb!
4. Change your A/C filter(s). A dirty filter is a red flag to the inspector that the unit may not be maintained properly and may recommend a complete cleaning and separate HVAC inspection.
5. Empty the dishwasher/washer/dryer, and give the inside of your microwave and oven a good cleaning. They will all be tested and run by the inspector.
6. Clear away brush and tree limbs, especially if they are rubbing against the home. The inspector may require further inspections if they are causing too much wear on your roof.
7. Have home repair paper work handy. Pull out invoices and documents of maintenance and repairs that you have made on the home. If there have been insurance claims in the past, be sure to have the documentation on hand for proof that the repair work was completed.
8. If you have a pool/spa, clean it and make it sparkle! Make sure your pool equipment is in working order; it will be documented if it is not.
9. Put your pet(s) in a crate or make arrangements for them to be out of the house during the inspection. A dog can be hard to work around with an inspector coming in and out.
10. Time for you to leave, too! Plan on being out of the house for at least 2-3 hours (average inspection time). It’s best just to stay out of the way and let the inspector do their job. Your agent should be present as your trusted representative. You will be called when the inspection is complete.
Hopefully this list serves as guide for your upcoming inspection and can help eliminate some common issues on the inspection report. Keep your chin up, even though this is an anxious time, you can count on your experienced agent to make things go as smooth as possible!