If an inspector is coming to look at your home before you list it, you may have a few questions. What will the home inspector be looking at? How can you prepare for the inspection?
For insight and answers, we turned to the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), who've outlined many steps you can take before your pre-listing inspection—and most can be done at little or no cost to you. These include:
Removing grade or mulch from contact with siding; six or more inches of clearance is preferred.
Diverting all water away from the house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drains, etc.; grade should slope away from the structure.
Painting all weathered exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimney, windows and doors.
Sealing asphalt driveways, if cracking, and pointing up masonry chimney caps.
Cleaning or replacing the HVAC filter.
Testing all smoke detectors to ensure they are in safe working condition.
Having the chimney, fireplace or wood stove cleaned and providing the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.
Ensuring that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked window panes.
Ensuring that all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower, and sinks) are in proper working condition; checking for and fixing any leaks; caulking around fixtures if necessary.
Installing GFCI receptacles near all water sources.
Checking to ensure that the crawlspace is dry, installing a proper vapor barrier if necessary, and removing any visible moisture from a crawlspace.
Checking that bath vents are properly vented and in working condition.
Removing paints, solvents, gas, etc., from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
Having clear access to attic, crawlspace, heating system, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
Turning on all utilities, including water, electric, water heater, furnace, air conditioning and breaks in the main panel.
