15 Step Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Inspection 

 

Home Inspection

1) Furnace & A/C: If your furnace has not been tuned up with in the last year have an HVAC professional service the system as part of general maintenance.

2) Plumbing: If your water heater is over 10 years old have a plumber flush and certify proper function. Fully disclose if there is any galvanized or polybutylene water pipes. Make sure you ask you Real Estate Agent.

3) Roof: Have your roof inspected if more than four years old. If your roof is more than 5 years old have it inspected and certified by a qualified roofing contractor. Your real estate agent should have more information and referrals for getting a roof certification at Chinook has more than $300 to get your rest certified by a local expert

4) Electrical: Verify all wet areas have GFCI protected outlets, exterior outlets covered, no exposed wire splices in the garage, and attic area. 

5) Smoke Detectors: Verify all smoke detectors are functioning. Replace any smoke detectors more than 10 years old. In all real estate transactions, smoke detectors will be asked to be installed or replaced if they are over 10 years old.

6) Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure the is a working carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of any bedrooms. In all Real Estate home sales carbon dioxide Monitors are required and must be within 15 feet of any bedroom and three feet from the ground.

7) Windows: Verify all windows have no glass defects, open and close properly, latch, and have window screens. During the home inspections windows can be a costly cost to fix or repair if you are missing windows screens it could cost anywhere from $35 to $40 to replace a whole windows screen If the latch is broken on the window  That could be considered a safety issue 

8) Fireplace: Wood burning fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified contractor. Gas fireplaces should be working, the pilot light on, and fireplace lights. Home Inspectors will generally check to make sure there's no water Intrusion coming in through the fireplace and to make sure it is clean and free of debris.

9) Bathrooms: Verify toilets are tight to the floor and don’t continue to run after flushing, no leaks under the sink, stoppers working, tub and shower surrounds are properly grouted and caulked. Home inspectors will make sure the toilet is securely fastened to the base and will usually use thermal imaging for the shower Not all home inspection include free thermal imaging.

10)  Kitchen: All appliances function properly, Disposal working, no leaks under the sink. During the home inspection, the inspector will check the functionality of the ice machine of the refrigerator and also make sure all the burners burn even on the stove 

11) Exterior: Paint any exposed wood siding or trim, Replace any rotted trim. During the home inspectors visit he will look for any dry rot or chipping paint that could cause damage to the home also VA is really strict about chipping paint or dry rot on the home so the home inspector is very thorough for pointing these items out. We always recommend addressing these issues on the home inspection as soon as possible or before the home inspection occurs to make sure the process of selling your home goes as smoothly as possible.

12) Deck: Make sure there is no wood rot, secure any loose railings, Paint as needed for VA loans. During the home inspection if the deck is larger than 20 by 20 it is required in most instances to have a home permit if there is not a permit you may be asked to get a permit issued. In most expenses, it is $150 to pull the permit 

13) Structure: Check visible areas of the foundation for cracks. And diagonal cracks above windows and doors. Any cracks wider than the width of a quarter should be evaluated by a structural contractor. Some indicators for the home inspection Will be the doors will not be able to shut cracking by doors and windows. 

14) Garage: Make sure the safety reverse system of the door opener functions properly, disconnect the door from the opener and verify the door opens easily and stays open when all the way up. If not; have a qualified contractor make the needed repairs. Never attempt any repairs yourself!

15) Lots and Grounds: Remove any dead trees, trim tree limbs that overhang onto the roof, Backfill any low areas around the foundation, repair any trip hazards more than an inch at the driveway, walks and patio.

 

NOTE: The above are recommendations to help prevent any delays or surprises in the sales process. Every home is different depending on age, style, and type of construction. Trust your realtor to advise you regarding small repairs to improve curb appeal and buyer interest.

This checklist was provided By True Check Home Inspection