Likely 60% of the issues that we encounter in homes which we record as needing attention are just that. They are not major deficiencies, but are just honest mistakes that could be taken care of with periodic preventative maintenance.
As REALTORS, you can affect the outcome of most home inspection reports. No, you cannot control the report, you can only assist the seller in preparing the home to be in the proper condition for inspection. Questions and suggestions to the seller could be as follows:
- Clean the gutters and make certain that the downspouts extend and shed water at least ten feet from the foundation.
- Have them trim all shrubs, trees and vines off the home to prevent water damage and create a more clear view of the dwelling.
- Ask questions:
- Do the windows raise and lower?
- Are all the receptacle and switch plates installed?
- Have all the receptacles near water sources been replaced with GFCI's for safety?
- Are wire splices contained in junction boxes and covered with protective plates?
- Do all the light bulbs come on when a switch is flipped and do all switches control something? (Sometimes labeling the switches for remote lights is a good idea).
- Do stairs have handrails and are deck balusters spaced four inches apart?
- Can the attics and crawlspaces be accessed or are the entries blocked?
Addressing these few issues will drastically clean-up the inspection report. Personally, as an inspector, I REALLY do not enjoy writing or keying-in anything. I actually LOVE it when I find a solid, well maintained home as it inspects easier and I am sure from your standpoint SELLS better as well.
Any questions? Please feel free to ask.
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