Ten Tips to Speed Up The Home Inspection
Speed up the home sale by helping your sellers prepare their home for the home inspection. Things will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.
- Confirm that the water, electrical and gas services are turned on (including pilot lights).
- Make sure pets won't hinder the home inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside.
- Burned-out light bulbs should be replaced to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested and batteries replaced, if necessary.
- Dirty HVAC air filters should be cleaned or replaced. They should fit securely.
- Stored items, debris and wood should be removed from the foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.
- Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electrical service panels, the water heater, attic and crawlspace. This will allow access for the inspection of these items.
- Unlock any locked areas that the home inspector must access, such as the attic door or hatch, the electrical service panel, the door to the basement, and any exterior gates.
- Tree limbs should be trimmed so that they're at least 10 feet away from the roof. Shrubs that are too close to the house can hides pests or hold moisture against the exterior.
- Any broken or missing items, such as doorknobs, locks or latches, windowpanes or screens, gutters or downspouts, or chimney caps should be repaired or replaced.
Checking these areas before the home inspection is an investment in ensuring the home inspection goes smoothly.
