I know the last year has you asking yourself I don’t need to worry buyers are waiving inspections. I guarantee you that is changing and if you do not wish to have a Seller’s pre-inspection than you may wish to check out this list. You can make your home more attractive to buyers and increase your likelihood of obtaining a positive inspection report by performing routine maintenance now before going on the market.
A visual inspection does not pass or fail a house but simply describes those items in need of minor or major repair or replacement. The inspector will visually examine the structure, crawl space, attic, mechanical components and all interior rooms, as well as closets.
On the day of you can help by having keys available to any locked doors, removing obstacles around water heaters and other appliances, removing items from closets that provide access to attics, and so on. Please be ready to indicate the location of hidden components such as the water meter, electrical panel, sump pump and main sewer clean out.
You can eliminate seasonal limitations on the inspection by clearing pathways of snow or debris. Ensure that appliances not tested because of the temperature (such as air conditioners in winter) are operation. Move boxes and storage items away from interior walls and make certain the entire perimeter of the house can be observed. Finally, leave pets with a friend or, take them with you, for the few hours of the inspection.
EXTERIOR COMPONENTS
- Repair minor defects in the exterior wall coverings.
- Repair damaged masonry on walkways and steps.
- Repair missing or loose railings on decks and steps.
- Recaulk around exterior windows and doors.
- Replace missing or damaged shingles
- Recaulk around flashing.
- Clean debris from gutters.
- Ensure downspouts are intact and water drains away from the house.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof.
INTERIOR COMPONENTS
- Loosen any windows that are painted shut.
- Replace missing or faulty hardware on doors and windows.
- Repair any broken or cracked windows.
- Replace damaged baseboard or molding.
- Recaulk around bathtub and kitchen/bathroom sinks.
- Re-grout tub and shower enclosures and the kitchen backsplash.
- Repair leaky faucets and fixtures.
- Unclog slow drains using commercial cleaner.
- Replace oversized fuses with proper fuses.
- Repair faulty receptacles and switches.
- Ensure exhaust fans are in working order.
- Have the fireplace chimney swept.
- Have the furnace or other major appliances serviced.
- Ensure central vacuum, garbage disposal, water softener and other ancillary components not part of the standard inspection are in working order.
- Replace dead batteries in smoke and CO detectors.
- Have service contracts, manuals and warranties available and in a drawer for the inspector/buyer to access.
Prior planning always pays off and makes for a smooth transaction after securing a buyer. Reach out to me for questions on this or if you are considering selling your home.
Jen Murrweiss RE/MAX Elite 