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Make Your Home "Inspection Ready"

By
Home Inspector with Pillar To Post® Professional Home Inspection

MAKE YOUR HOME "INSPECTION-READY"

From routine maintenance to detecting conditions that could signify the need for major repairs, there are many simple steps your seller can take to prepare their home for a professional home inspection. In addition, on the day of the inspection, attention to a few details can go a long way to ensuring that everything goes smoothly.

DISCLOSURES

  • Disclose past catastrophes such as fires or floods, or if the property was ever used as a marijuana grow house or meth lab
  • Provide building permits and plans for any major renovations
  • Disclose any work that was completed without the proper permits
  • Provide invoices and warrantees for major improvements, roofs, furnaces, and appliances

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE - EXTERIOR

  • Repair damaged masonry on walkways and steps
  • Seal any cracks in the driveway
  • Repair minor defects in exterior wall materials
  • Recaulk around exterior windows and doors
  • Replace damaged or missing shingles
  • Recaulk around flashing
  • Clean debris from gutters and check downspouts for proper drainage

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE - INTERIOR

  • Repair leaky faucets and fixtures
  • Recaulk around bathtubs and sinks
  • Have an electrician inspect receptacles and switches and make any necessary repairs
  • Repair any cracked or broken window glass and loosen any windows that are painted shut
  • Arrange service for the furnace and central air conditioning
  • Have the chimney swept
  • Replace batteries in smoke detectors and install detectors where missing

ON THE DAY OF THE INSPECTION

  • Allow sufficient time for the inspection - the average Pillar To Post inspection takes between 2.5 and 3 hours
  • Be sure that keys are available for any locked doors
  • Allow access to storage sheds, attics, yards, crawlspaces, basements, and garages
  • Provide access to components such as electrical panels, water meter, and gas meter
  • Move objects from around the water heater, furnace, and air conditioner to allow unimpeded access
  • Clear paths of snow and debris
  • Keep pets in a safe location out of the home or in a crate

Comments (2)

Curt Swearengin
Restoration Construction Team - Tampa, FL
Kelly Thanks for the Post. Very informative I always encourage buyers of a for sale by owner property to get an inspection. It only makes good sense Thanks Curt 
Jan 11, 2007 07:52 AM
Kelly Cox
Pillar To Post® Professional Home Inspection - Melbourne, FL

Curt,

A pre-listing inspection shouldn't be limited to FSBO.  Anyone selling a home should have one to indentify any issues and make repairs prior to lising in order to make their home more sellable and potentially more profitable!

Jan 11, 2007 11:22 AM