Advice for Sellers - How to Get Ready for the Home Inspection

Congratulations! Your home is under contract. That time on the market was nerve wracking but now, the next thing to survive is really nerve wracking.  You have the home inspector coming! Will he (or she) tear your house apart or see it for the shining example of home ownership that you believe it to be? 

Get ahead of the curve and check out those things that most home inspectors look at and then address them.  The buyer certainly will ask you to fix them or provide a credit. 

START OUTSIDE WITH THIS LIST

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 the pressure release valve pipe is installed on the water heater. This is a new addition to the list in recent years.
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.  Get rid of that mold and grime!
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.  Move the packed boxes away from the 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.  Outlets clogged with paint fall into this category. 
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 consider upgrading them to three-prong outlets.
9. _____Check for properly working GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and exterior.  Try resetting them as a first action.
10. _____Check that exhaust fans work in kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.  Try to clean the blades.
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.  There is a great tool to open painted windows that I can share with you. 
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.
20. _____Make sure that the attic hatch is easily accessible. This is particularly critical when the attic access is through your closet!

   

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 closing 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.

If you are looking for a home in the DC metro area, you know there is more to the process than just picking a property and making an offer. You need to find the best location for your wants and needs, get a great price, and work with a lender who will make your life easier - not harder.  Trust your search with a Realtor who is licensed in DC, MD and VA and really knows the city and all its secret neighborhoods.

Start your search with the Lise Howe Group, Washington Natives who love the city and all its quirkiness! If you are moving or relocating to Washington DC, be sure to ask for our relocation guide. Call us at 240-401-5577 to schedule an appointment or email us at lise@lisehowe.com.  Too excited to wait to talk to us about a great home? Just click here to start that home search.

If you want to see what is for sale in Washington DC, Chevy Chase and Bethesda, check out these links below:

Bethesda Condos for Sale

Chevy Chase Condos for Sale

Bethesda Single Family Luxury Homes

 

Chevy Chase Single Family Luxury Homes

Luxury Single Family Washington DC Homes

Washington DC Single Family Homes Under $1 Million

 

Washington DC Condos

 

Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties
240-401-5577 (24 hour direct)
Licensed in DC, MD, and VA
Associate Broker, GRI, ABR, CRS
The Lise Howe Group
Howe Real Estate Should Be!
www.thelisehowegroup.com

www.bethesdahomesforsale.com
                                                 www.homesinchevychasebethesda.com

 www.kenwood-forest.com