If your home is in contract and you're anticipating a buyer's inspection, here's a checklist you can use to prepare for your home inspection. The items on this list are what home inspectors look for as part of a whole house inspection. Many of the items on this list, any homeowner can do and will cost you nothing or very little, but your time.
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Even minor, maintenance-type issues can present your home in a less than favorable light. The more of the items/issues you can "remove" from the list before the home inspector arrives, the "cleaner" the final report. The "cleaner" the final report, the happier your buyers will be and the fewer reasons they'll have to ask for a "boat-load" of repairs, allowances for repairs, or even a contract cancellation. Besides presenting your home in its best condition, preparing for a home inspection also can help prevent closing delays resulting from incomplete or repeated inspections.
Don't forget to leave keys to all locked utility boxes and doors. Inaccessible systems are major causes for incomplete inspections and delays. Arrange a place for the inspector to find the keys, or provide them ahead of time. And if your house is vacant and utilities have been turned off, be sure to have gas, water, and electric operative before the inspector arrives. Keep in mind that in many places, inspectors will not light pilot lights, so be sure these are up and running in advance (gas cooktops, gas fireplaces, for example).
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