Preparing Your House For The Home Inspection

MANY OF THESE ITEMS MAY BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH LITTLE OR NO COST. SOME OF THESE ITEMS WILL INDICATE TO THE HOME INSPECTOR AND BUYER, THAT THE HOUSE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED.
 

1. Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Preferable 6 or more inches of clearance.
2. Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
3. Divert all water away from the house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drains, etc. Grade should slope away from the structure.
4. Trim trees, roots and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding, and chimney.
5. Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows, doors, light fixtures.
6. Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal rain caps.
7. Clean or replace HVAC filters. Clean dirty air returns and plenums.
8. Test all smoke detectors for operation.
9. Ensure the presence of attic ventilation and that vent is unobstructed.
10. Clean fireplace, chimney and chimney flues.
11. Don’t do quick, cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs) this will clue in an inspector that amateur work has been done and will tend to make him/her look closer at the house.
12. Get all window and doors in proper operating condition, including any cracked windows.
13. Ensure all plumbing fixtures, toilets, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for leaks.
14. Install GFCI receptacles at all applicable locations. Test all resent GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
15. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
16. Remove rotting wood from contact with house.
17. Grade to have proper slope away from structure under decks.
18. Install a vapor barrier in damp crawlspaces.
19. Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
20. Caulk tub/shower fixtures.
21. Caulk along tub/shower walls and floors. Repair failing caulking at tub/shower doors.
22. Remove any visible moisture from the crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18 %, to deter rot and mold.
23. Check that bath fans are properly vented.
24. Check that toilets are secure to the floor.
25. Remove grade from contact with foundation vents.
26. Have clear access to all attics, crawlspace, heating systems, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
27. Provide Repair Receipts and Documents. Make available to the home inspector all invoices and documents regarding remodeling projects, repairs or new items such as a roof or A/C. If you've upgraded the electrical, installed a new oven or repaired a leaky roof, provide all paperwork. It will give the buyer peace of mind to know those items were reinspected.
28. If a house is vacant be sure all the utilities are turned on:

•  Water
•  Electric
•  Gas
•  Water Heater
•  Furnace
•  Circuit Breakers

Have your house pre-inspected by BUILDING SPECS to reduce the chance of last minute surprises and expenses.