If you’re in the process of selling your home, you know that an inspection will likely be requested before the deal is final. The home inspector will assess the current condition of the property, so you’ll want to make sure your home is in peak condition beforehand. Here are five tips for preparing for a home inspection so that you’ll be ready when the time comes.
Start Preparing for a Home Inspection With Some Research
Some of the more common issues that home inspectors find include grade sloping, electrical wiring issues, and inadequate ventilation in key areas of the home. Make sure you’ve remedied these problems before the inspection, if possible.
Does high humidity in your area lead to an increased risk of mold, mildew, or wood rot? Were underground oil tanks commonly used in your neighborhood? Make a list of key points that inspectors may be looking for in your area and take steps to address them before the home inspection.
Repair Water-damaged Areas to Prepare for an Inspection
Many homes have sustained some water damage at one point or another, whether during an intense storm that damaged the roofing or from a leaky pipe that wasn’t repaired quickly. Most homeowners fix these problems immediately to avoid serious damage to the structure, but may still be living with visible signs of past issues.
As you prepare for your home inspection, make sure you’ve replaced any warped wooden components and painted over visible water stains. Even if you’ve long since fixed the issue, water stains will concern a potential buyer.
Make Visual Touch-ups to Prepare for a Home Inspection
Alongside fixing obvious problems like warped decking boards, water stains, and broken pieces of molding, keep an eye out for smaller details that need to be touched-up as well.
Details to repair include cracked windowpanes, grease stains on the kitchen walls, and dingy outlet covers. A home inspection is a thorough assessment of your property and it’s well worth the time to make sure everything looks clean, well-cared for, and up-to-date.
Declutter Your Home
Home inspectors will visit neglected areas of the home, such as attics and basements. In order to help the inspection process move smoothly, cull your belongings and clear away clutter ahead of time.
Decluttering and cleaning are important parts of preparing for a home inspection. You’ll make your home look nicer while granting the inspector easier access to key features. Decluttering has the added benefit of giving you an early start on cleaning before packing for your move.
Collect All Necessary Paperwork
Preparing for a home inspection requires more than just making things look good. Inspectors want proof of the house’s condition when possible. In order to verify any work you’ve recently done, gather paperwork or receipts related to repairs, maintenance work, and insurance claims. Paperwork proving that you’ve completed roofing repairs or electrical work provides valuable information to the inspector.
A Few Steps in Preparing for a Home Inspection
Preparing for a home inspection doesn’t have to be a daunting process. By referring to home inspection guidelines and briefing yourself on how to handle common issues like water damage, electrical problems, and peeling paint, you’ll be less overwhelmed.
Start by taking care of big issues like signs of moisture damage. Follow up by decluttering and touching up the visual details. Lastly, have paperwork on hand to verify any recent improvements or repairs you’ve made to your home.
AAA Home Inspections offers pre-listing home inspection services in Central and Northern New Jersey. If you’re selling your home, contact us to determine what repairs might help streamline the sales process.