Home Inspection Preparation Tips

Step 5 – Improve Curb appeal

First impressions are important! Inspectors normally see the well-built home hiding behind the overgrown shrubs… but why take a chance?  I know more than one inspector that forms their initial opinion based on what they see when they pull in the driveway.

Step 6 – Don’t hide things

Hiding the crack in the foundation by putting a mattress in front of it, multiple air fresheners in the home to mask pet odor, hanging a poster over the hole in wall. Don’t do it!  Nothing makes an inspector work harder than the feeling he or she is being taken for a fool!

Step 7 – Provide maintenance history/documents

The more documents the better! Put them in a fancy binder!  This screams – “This owner cares!”  If they don’t have any – go online and print out manuals for the appliances, the heater and A/C, write out a page about the maintenance of the home, etc.  This allows the Inspector to reinforce “pride in homeownership” which all clients love to hear!

Step 2 Make the house inviting

Entering a comfortable house makes everyone happy… buyers, agents, family and yes – Inspectors!  If its hot out turn on the A/C and when cold, crank up the heat!  Open the blinds to brighten the place up!

Step 3 Address maintenance items

Its much easier for clients to accept a few important issues when the home appears to be overall well maintained. Give the Inspector some positives to help offset any potential concerns! Could be as easy as a fresh coat of paint, having the gutters cleaned or servicing of the heater.

Step 4 Fix the little stuff

Similar to “Address Maintenance” – Broken window latch? Toilet that runs? Faucet that drips? In most cases, these items should not cause an inspector great concern, but, often the “little stuff” adds up! Hire a handyman to tidy things up a bit.

Step 1 Make things accessible

Its never good to finish an inspection with limitations due to inaccessible areas. It creates questions and uncertainties which could easily be addressed while on site.  A good inspector will do everything he or she can to “get in there”, however, we cannot take a chance on damaging the home or personal property.  So try to have things ready for the inspection.  Some examples;

Unlock (or provide keys for) all secured areas.

However, most inspectors don’t want to deal with keys (we often leave the property with them in our pocket!) and or the added responsibility of locking or unlocking everything.

Clear a path

Clear a path to access openings (especially crawl space/attic areas), electric panels, heaters etc. No inspector wants to hurdle over boxes, car seats and baby toys to get to something!

Remove access panel

If the access panel is painted shut or fussy think about removing it before the inspection so the inspector doesn’t have to take a chance on damaging. Trust me – inspectors love a home where efforts have been made improve workflow!