How to keep that pesky home inspector at bay.....

Since home sales seem to be picking up around the nation, following are some helpful hints if you're a Seller, and some helpful hints for your Seller if you're the agent.

This list is San Diego specific, so modify as necessary for your area. Don't do something that you're not comfortable doing; hire a professional do to it.

Added with edit: All readers should feel free to take this list, modify it for your local and state needs, put your name and logo on it, and pass it around as your own. If you want to credit me as the source, fine, but it's more important that we try to get everyone to play nicely in the same sandbox together, and that includes Realtors, Home Inspectors, Buyers, AND Sellers.

   

OUTSIDE

1. _____Check that doorbells work.
2. _____Check for missing roof shingles.
3. _____Check for loose/damaged/clogged gutters/downspouts.
4. _____Check attic ventilation and condition of vent screens.
5. _____Check to see if there is standing water, especially near the foundation, after irrigation or rainfall.
6. _____Check for cracks in foundation walls.
7. _____Check structure (including attic and foundation crawl space) for pests (termites, wasps, spiders, nests, etc.).
8. _____Check exterior weatherproofing (stain, paint, etc.).
9. _____Check for any wood in direct contact with soil, including fences and gates.
10. _____Check for loose wiring (electric, cable, phone) and poor wire terminations.
11. _____Check for holes and damage to siding, doors, windows, and trim so that structure is weatherproof.
12. _____Check condition of fences or gates (leaning, damaged).
13. _____Check that any exterior outlets are weatherproofed and not in permanent use for any landscape lighting.
14. _____Check condition of landscape components (retaining walls, landscaper timbers, etc.).
15. _____Check for overgrown vegetation, especially in walkways; growing on siding, roof, chimney, fences, or in gutters; or too close to utility lines.
16. _____Check for trip hazards in walkways, driveways, and stairways (deterioration, vegetation, etc.)
17. _____Check for loose, missing, or rusted guardrails and handrails at stairways, decks, balconies, and porches.
18. _____Check that landscape lighting/irrigation systems work, and that sprinklers don't spray on fences or buildings.
19. _____Check condition of pool and spa, and related equipment and utilities.
20. _____Check that ponds, fountains, and waterfalls, and related utilities, work properly and are protected from children.

 

PLUMBING 

1. _____Check that seismic straps are on the water heater.
2. _____Check that stoppers work in bathtubs and sinks.
3. _____Check for clogged drains.
4. _____Check that toilet seat bolts and screws are tight.
5. _____Check that faucets don't drip or leak around the base.
6. _____Check stop action on faucet handles.
7. _____Check condition of caulk/grout in bathtubs/showers.
8. _____Check insulation on water pipes in foundation crawl space and attic.
9. _____Check for safe and easy access to water shutoff valves (street curb, water heater, sinks, toilets, etc.).
10. _____Check for safe and easy access to any gas shutoff valves (meter, furnace, water heater, etc.).
11. _____Check for loose toilets and loose toilet tanks.

 

ELECTRICAL 

1. _____Check for safe and easy access to electric panels and main circuit breaker.
2. _____Check that ceiling fans work on all speeds.
3. _____Check for burned out lights, including ceiling fans.
4. _____Check for damaged or loose outlets and light switches, including covers for outlets and switches.
5. _____Check for unplugged appliances, and unplug anything that is unnecessary to facilitate outlet testing by the Buyer's property inspector.
6. _____Remove extension cords and outlet multipliers.
7. _____Check that outlets work.
8. _____Check for outdated two-prong outlets and upgrade them to three-prong outlets.
9. _____Check for properly working GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and exterior.
10. _____Check that exhaust fans work in kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.
11. _____Check that any electrical junction boxes have covers.

 

INSIDE

1. _____Check condition of towel holders and bathroom tissue holders.
2. _____Check condition of bathtubs, showers, and shower doors, and replace old shower curtains.
3. _____Check that safety seal shows on floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors.
4. _____Check that carbon monoxide alarms work.
5. _____Check that smoke alarms work, and that they are present on each floor of multi-story houses.
6. _____Check for loose kitchen and bathroom countertops.
7. _____Check ease of operation for doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows, including windows nailed or painted shut.
8. _____Check for missing, loose, or damaged hardware on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers (stops and guides), and windows.
9. _____Check for loose glass panes in windows and doors, as well as glass with holes or cracks in them.
10. _____Check that latches/locks work on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows.
11. _____Check for damage to screen windows.
12. _____Remove excessive storage (closets, attic, garage).
13. _____Check for damage to walls and ceilings that need to be patched and painted.
14. _____Check for moisture stains on ceilings and walls; around doors and windows; near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers; and near the dishwasher.
15. _____Check for loose, missing, or damaged guardrails and handrails in stairways.
16. _____Check for loose, broken or missing baseboards and door and window moldings.
17. _____Check for cracked tiles or deteriorated grouting in kitchen and bathrooms.
18. _____Check that kitchen appliances work.
19. _____Check that an anti-tip device is installed on the range.

   

MISCELLANEOUS

1. _____Let dogs and cats vacation for a few hours with a family member, friend, or at a pet spa. Check that other pets (birds, snakes, rodents, etc.) are caged.
2. _____Certain items should be inspected annually due to their inherently dangerous nature. These include gas-using appliances, pool/spa equipment, roof, and the fireplace and chimney. If they have not been inspected within the last 12 months, having it done now can make escrow go more smoothly.
3. _____Check that filters are in place and clean (kitchen range hood, heating/cooling, bathroom fans, etc.)
4. _____Check for soot, cobwebs, and wildlife in the fireplace and lower areas of the chimney.
5. _____The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that the fireplace and chimney undergo a Level II inspection any time real estate ownership is transferred, and I recommend having that done prior to the Buyer's inspection.
6. _____Check that the fireplace damper opens/closes easily.
7. _____Check for manufacturer installation guides, operating instructions, or user guides that you can provide to the buyer, especially for kitchen appliances; heating and cooling system; water heater; security, irrigation, fire suppression, central cleaning, and water modification systems; water well; and septic system.
8. _____Many property inspectors exclude inspection and testing of some specialized systems, such as security and irrigation systems. Once you get the Buyer's inspection report, note what the Inspector did and did not do or could and could not do. Offer to meet with the Buyer to demonstrate how those systems are operated and maintained, and provide the contact information for any companies that regularly service the systems.
9. _____Check for receipts and warranty papers for any work done on the property, particularly for inspections and work done to prepare the property for sale.

 

 

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