Preparing Your Home For an Inspection

Question: What's the best way to prepare my home for an inspection?

Answer: When pre-owned homes come onto the market, they are rarely in perfect shape and most of them have that special “lived-in” look. That is why you want to have a professional home inspection. The value of a professional home inspection is to confirm the proper working condition of major systems in the home: electrical, mechanical, plumbing and the integrity of its structural components on the day of the inspection. However, minor items often are identified during this inspection process.

Individually, these items are not a big issue, but the cumulative effect of many small items could be discouraging for a potential buyer. If a home seller and their agent know what to look for, many of these minor items can be identified and addressed prior to a professional inspection.

The following is a checklist of minor items often found in need of repair during a whole house inspection. If repairs are needed, plan to do them before the professional inspection is performed. It will ensure a smoother sale and contribute to a positive home inspection experience.

Interior

Do wall and ceiling surfaces have holes or cracks that need patching?
Do all the windows have operable latches?
Can all the windows be opened and closed properly?
Do any of the windows have cracked panes or broken seals?
Do windows need caulking?
Are any of the windows painted shut?
Are stair railings loose?
Are moldings loose, broken or missing?
Do interior doors stick, or open and close smoothly?
Are kitchen or bathroom tiles cracked?
Can you explain the existence or repair of old water penetration stains on walls and ceilings?
Does the chimney damper open and close properly?
Does the chimney need cleaning?
Does the chimney mortar need pointing?
Is there insulation present in the attic?
Is the insulation in the attic blocking attic vents?
Is there a distracting amount of clutter in any of the rooms that would prevent a thorough inspection?
Are there any signs of insect infestation?

Exterior

Are there horizontal or vertical cracks in the foundation walls?
Does the grading around the house direct rainwater away from the foundation?
Are any roof shingles missing?
Are the gutters and down spouts connected and secured to the house?
Are the gutters and down spouts clean and free from debris and weeds?
Is the exterior wood trim in good condition?
Is the wood trim around the door in good condition?
Are there any wood surfaces in direct contact with soil?
Are stair or porch railings loose?
Are the wood or concrete steps in good condition?
Does any of the siding need repair or replacement?
Are any of the landscape timbers rotted?
Do the retaining walls or fences need repair?
Are the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?

Plumbing

Do the bases of the faucets leak?
Do the faucets shut off completely, preventing water from dripping?
Are the faucet and showerhead screens clear, allowing full water flow?
Are any drains clogged?
Do the stopper mechanisms of sinks and bathtubs open and close properly?
Is there insulation on the water pipes in unheated areas of the home?
Is there access to the main water shut off valve?
Is there access to the main gas shut off valve?
Are the bathtub and shower enclosures properly caulked?
Are the toilets loose at the floor or at the tank?

Electrical

Are any receptacles, switches or their covers broken or loose?
Are all receptacles “hot” and switches operable?
Do any light bulbs, fluorescence or cosmetic lights need replacing?
Do the ceiling fans work properly?
Do the reset buttons of GFCI receptacles pop out when the test button is pressed?
Do the front and back door bells work?
Is the main electrical service wire entering the home secured to the exterior of the house?
Do the electrical junction boxes have covers?
Do smoke alarms function when the test button is pressed?
Does the built-in microwave work?
Do all of the electrical range-top burners and ovens work?
Does the kitchen exhaust fan work?