How to Get Your Home Ready for Inspection

Congratulations! Your home is under contract. One of the first things that will be done when your home is in the option period is to be inspected. If the house is not prepared for the home inspection, this may result in items being reported as “Not Inspected” or “Not Tested for Operational Performance”. When this happens, the Buyer may want the Inspector to return and inspect any items that were unable to be originally inspected. Furthermore, this may incur an additional fee between $100-200; a fee that the Seller is often asked to pay. Follow our tips to ensure a faster, safer and less costly inspection.

Make repairs ahead of time.

Even the smallest blemishes can present your home in a less favorable light. Fix the small things like handles, knobs and faucets. Next, make sure the caulking around windows, doors, showers and counter tops are properly sealed. Repair major damages, like roofs, or disclose them and adjust the asking price.

Clean.

Cleaning is often overlooked before an inspection. Inspectors don’t always look beyond the mess to see the real issues within the home. A messy home gives the impression of neglected regular maintenance. Additionally, Buyers are likely to accompany the inspector and will feel the same way. The Buyers may rethink their purchase or find their new home less appealing.

Have the home ready on time.

A home inspection can also take up to four hours. Often, inspectors arrive early, so be ready half an hour before the appointment time. Furthermore, inspectors often start outside the home, without you even knowing they are there.

Keep utilities connected. 

If the home is unoccupied, make sure all utilities are connected. The Inspector will test heating and cooling systems, plumbing, appliances, faucets, electrical systems and more. If the utilities aren’t connected, the required testing cannot be done resulting in delays to closing.

Leave the keys.

Make sure the keys are to any locked utility boxes and doors are left. Remember, any inaccessible systems will cause incomplete inspections and delays. Furthermore, arrange a plan for the Inspector to find the keys or provide them ahead of time.

Keep the pilot lights lit.

For liability reasons, the Inspector will not light any pilot lights. If the pilot lights are not lit, the inspection is incomplete.

Clear work space around systems.

Inspectors need adequate space to access all appliances, electrical panels, and heating and cooling units. Move all boxes, items and debris from these areas. Inspectors recommend at least three feet of work space.

Provide access to additional spaces.

Attics, garages, sheds and crawlspaces need to be accessible. Move any blockages and make sure doors can be opened (unlock if needed). This also includes accessing inspection hatches for bathtubs, water meters and shutoff valves.

Remove appliance contents.

Dishwashers and washing machines are subject to the home inspection and will be run. Even if those appliances won’t be left, the inspector needs to make sure the plumbing, electrical supplies and venting are in working order.

Clear exterior clutter and debris.

Foundations, outside electrical outlets and faucets are a few of the items inspectors will want to see outside. Also, remove trash cans, trim branches and brush, and remove dead limbs. Finally, make an accessible path around the home, especially in winter.

Collect receipts for repairs.

Leave receipts and repair invoices for anything that has been fixed in the home. This will show proof of upkeep and also answers some of the questions the inspector may have.

Remove pets.

If its possible, you should also take your pets with you or have them boarded for the day. If those aren’t options for you, secure them in crates or kennels far away from any area where the inspector will be.

Leave.

Finally, plan to leave for at least four hours. This also includes all children and other home occupants. Buyers also often accompany the Inspectors and this allows all parties to feel uninhibited to ask questions and to explore the home.

(Information gathered from Your Super Inspector.)