A home inspection gives potential homebuyer’s the opportunity to have a professional inspector evaluate a home and give an assessment of its condition.
Usually, homebuyers get an inspection done before they purchase a home - but sellers sometimes opt to have one completed as well before listing their home for sale, whether by themselves or a professional.
If you’re selling a home, you’ll want to make sure the inspection goes as smoothly as possible, so you can close on the sale sooner rather than later. Here are 5 easy tips on how to prepare for a home inspection.
1 - Keep It Clean
This one seems pretty obvious, especially if you’ve gone through the process of selling a home before, but be sure to keep everything clean and tidy! How clean your home is doesn’t necessarily play into the inspection itself…but a dirty/messy house may make the inspector suspicious that other areas of the property also aren’t properly taken care of.
2 - Provide Easy Access
Related to the point above, you want to make a good impression on the professional carrying out the home inspection. So, make sure that they have easy access throughout the property. If an inspector can’t get into an area, they can’t inspect it - and that will be a red flag for buyers! Make sure to clear away any clutter impeding access such as basements, attics and furnace rooms.
3 - Remember: The Little Things Matter
Ideally, you want everything to be perfect for your home inspection. The better shape things are in, the more likely you are to close on the sale. There are lots of easy things you can do to help woo your potential buyers. Simple things like repairing faulty cabinets, replacing any bulbs that are out, making sure your toilets are functioning properly and ensuring all doors are in working condition can help develop a trusting relationship between you and the buyer.
4- Double Check For Leaks
One thing a home inspector is definitely going to check for is signs of leaks or water damage. It’s best you beat them to it and get any water-related issues sorted prior to the inspection. When looking for leaks, be sure to check under sinks, around faucets, around the base of your toilets and bathtubs and/or showers, and under any appliances that may leak, such as dishwashers and refrigerators. In terms of water damage, examine walls, ceilings, and floors, looking for signs of warping, sagging, or buckling.
5 - Don’t Forget The Roof!
The roof is a key part of the home inspection, so be sure to check it during your preparations. Get out a ladder and clean moss and debris from the gutters and check for damaged/missing tiles. If you find damage on the roof, you’ll want to get it taken care of prior to the home inspection - as this can really spook potential buyers.
First-Time Tip: If you get an alarming inspection report on a home you’re selling, don’t panic. Until you see the whole picture clearly, you’re not in a position to determine whether you have a major problem to deal with or not. Keep in mind that there is an element of subjectivity involved in the inspection process. For example, two contractors might disagree on the remedy for a dry-rotted window: one calling for repair and the other for replacement.
