10 Tips to Prepare for your Next Home Inspection
As you know, home inspections are an important part of the home sale process. Home inspectors help to determine the overall condition of your property and give their professional opinion on what they find. They take into account all visible defects that could impact the safety or value of a property.
The following information is intended to help you understand the system and what your inspector may be looking for during his inspection.
1) Get Organized
Preparation is key when it comes to getting ready for a home inspection. You should have already done some preparation before listing your house with a real estate agent in order to get it market-ready in terms of cleaning and repairs. Now it’s time to pull out all those notes from previous conversations with your contractor or handyman about things that need to be fixed. Make a list of what still needs to be done and start making phone calls.
2) Don’t Hide Anything
Inspectors have been known, on occasion, to remove a doorknob or two in order to test whether the door is properly attached to its frame. You can expect your inspector will check everywhere – under sinks, behind toilets, inside closets and every nook and cranny of your house. Basically, they’ll look anywhere something can be hidden. It’s best not to try hiding anything as you may get caught.
3) Open Up…Everything!
Your inspector should be able to inspect everything with the use of a screwdriver coin without any help from you. Have access to all faucets, switches and electrical outlets. Wherever they want to go – just let them!
4) Safe Access
Be sure that your inspector will have safe access throughout the house. If another person is showing the house, you might need a copy of their driver’s license for your inspector in order to check out their credentials. Also, make sure there are no pets around when he has to climb up on a roof or crawl under a deck or in any other tight spaces.
5) Close Up…Everything!
Your inspection should be able to carry out an inspection without your assistance (e.g., at times when you would not be home). Make sure that someone will be available who can let him into the house. Depending on what he is inspecting, it may be necessary for you to leave the premises during his inspection.
6) Be Open-Minded
Your home inspector will come to your property with a few ideas in mind about what they are looking for specifically but be prepared that they may find something unexpected. They are required by law to note all deficiencies regardless of how small or large they may appear – everything must be documented honestly and completely! This way you’ll have complete documentation on the condition of your home while not being surprised later when an issue has been discovered.
7) Listen Up…and Look Around!
Don’t miss out on the walk-through portion at the end of their inspection. At this time last-minute questions can be answered and your inspector may point out things you didn’t notice before. It’s a good idea to bring someone with you who has some knowledge of the house, whether it’s an agent or trusted friend or family member.
8) Call Before You Haul
Make sure that any contractors are available when the inspection is being done! Inspectors will need access to any part of the home they deem necessary in order to complete their job properly. Contractors should make themselves available onsite during this time which means no one should be ripping up carpet, taking down walls, etc… until after the job has been completed at least two days prior to the inspection (unless they’ve given written permission for them to begin work prior). Find out what your inspector’s schedule looks like and get them started as early in the day as possible – but not before!
9) Be Patient
Your inspection could take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours depending on how big your house is. If you have young children, make sure there is someone available to watch them or that they can come along with you for part of it. You should be prepared for any sort of weather conditions, too. Don’t plan a vacation just because you’re expecting an inspector. However, keep in mind that inspectors will do their best to work around other plans you may already have holidays, school functions, etc…
10) Take Notes
Inspectors won’t always verbally point out issues during their inspection so it’s a good idea to make sure you take notes and follow up after the inspection has been completed. If an issue is discovered ask for advice on how to fix or replace it yourself. If anything major is found do not attempt any repairs yourself, call in a professional!
As you know, home inspections are an important part of the home sale process. Home inspectors help to determine the overall condition of your property and give their professional opinion on what they find. They take into account all visible defects that could impact the safety or value of a property. The following information is…