Everyone wants a smooth home inspection. Sellers, buyers, agents, inspectors... everyone’s hoping that the inspection will go smoothly without a hitch. If you’re selling your home, there are things you can do to make the home inspector’s job easier and help ensure the most accurate report possible. These things can save you time and money.
1. Declutter your appliances. Get the pots off the stove, remove pans stored in the oven, take that bowl out of the microwave, and check the washer and dryer bins for clothes. While all of these appliances need to be tested, you don’t want an inspector rummaging through your laundry or scorching a pot to get the job done.
2. Replace burned-out light bulbs. If a light switch doesn’t work, the inspector will need to determine if it’s a problem with the fixture itself. (Closets, attics, basements, guest rooms, etc.)
3. Keep access doors clear. You might have furniture blocking seldom-used crawlspace entrances, or the space for the pull-down stairs up to the attic may be obstructed. Make these entryways clear to the inspector and save them the time and hassle of getting into hidden areas.
4. Be honest about what doesn’t work. Don’t deceive your home inspector or hope they’ll overlook something. It’s bound to come out, and failure to disclose home defects can be a legal hassle down the line. If you know the garbage disposal is broken? Say so. Leave notes for the inspector or prepare them in advance with an email message, etc.
5. Point out pumps and septic tank locations. If you have your own well and septic system, make sure the location of these is clearly described for the inspector. Annotate a photo or draw a simple map if need be.
6. Check your smoke detectors. People forget to change batteries in smoke detectors, and if you’ve neglected yours (or taken them down to change batteries and left them in the garage!) double-check to make sure they’re in place and functioning.
Naturally, this list assumes you’ve made any pre-inspection repairs you want to address. Want a more information about the home inspection process? Get in touch with me today. I look forward to hearing from you.
Comments(0)