Preparing Your Home for a Successful Inspection

The arrival of warmer months signifies not only blooming flowers and pleasant breezes but also the start of the bustling home buying season. With nearly 40% of homes sold from April to July, this time of year offers increased opportunities for sellers but also heightened competition. If potential buyers are showing interest in your property, that’s certainly encouraging—but there are still hurdles to overcome. One major milestone is passing a home inspection, which helps buyers gauge the condition of a home along with highlighting repairs or maintenance needed.

In essence, a home inspection involves a detailed visual review by a certified inspector who evaluates the structure and components of your house, providing a comprehensive and impartial report of their findings. Successfully navigating this process is crucial for sealing the deal on your home sale. Here are eight tips to prepare for a home inspection and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Allow enough time

Ensure the inspector has adequate time to perform a thorough review. Inspections typically take between 2½ to 3 hours, with older homes or those with basements requiring additional time for checks like dry rot.

Safety first

Most major safety concerns should already be addressed, but prior to inspection, it’s wise to address minor issues. Look for burned-out bulbs, unsteady hand railings, or non-functioning smoke alarms, and resolve them promptly.

Provide access

Clear any obstructions that might impede the inspector’s access to both exterior and interior areas. Remember to include access to the yard, garage, sheds, and essential systems such as the electrical panel, furnace, and water main.

Protect your pets

Consider securing your pets in crates or accommodating them elsewhere during the inspection to safeguard both the animals and the inspector, allowing complete access to necessary parts of the home.

Stash your valuables

Protect personal items by storing jewelry, medications, important documents, and other valuables out of sight. This practice is wise at all times, not just during inspections.

Tell it like it is

Inspectors are adept at identifying defects in a home’s structure or systems, so honesty is the best policy. Disclose any existing issues upfront, including past catastrophic events such as fires or floods, to build trust with potential buyers and address problems transparently.

Provide permits

If your property has undergone significant renovations, present all related building permits and plans to the inspector. Should revisions have been made without the necessary permits, disclose this information as well. Also, supply documentation for wells, septic systems, and other related paperwork as required.

Include invoices

Keep records of major purchases or upgrades like new furnaces or roof improvements, along with their invoices and warranties. If heating and cooling systems haven't been serviced in the last year, arrange for that before the inspection and have the receipt available. For wood-burning appliances, ensure you have a compliance letter from a certified technician.

For buyers, selecting a home is a momentous choice, heavily influenced by the home inspection results. By thoroughly preparing for the inspection and streamlining the process, you can instill confidence in your potential buyers, reassuring them that your home suits their needs and is a sound investment.