If you are thinking about selling your house or you are in the process of selling your house, you can easily reduce the number of ‘deficiencies’ in and around your property. In addition, you can ‘streamline’ the process by making sure that the house and its systems are accessible to the inspector.
The more access the Inspector has to the house and systems, the less chance the Inspector will overlook a defect. This reduces risk for the home seller.
What follows is a list of suggestions for home sellers to make the Home Inspection process more reflective of the true condition of the house and reduce liability for everyone.
Have all the utilities on and functioning at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. Small gas leaks and water leaks are harder to ascertain when the utilities are ‘turned-on’ just minutes before the Inspection.
Clean-out the clutter.
Ensure access to that exterior by trimming foliage adjacent to the house.
This includes creating access to the electric meter, main breaker panel and air conditioning systems.
Make certain keys are available for all locked gates and doors. Or, simply unlock these areas for the duration of the inspection.
Remove pets from the premises.
Remove vehicles from the garage.
Access to the attic areas is vital. Clear any clutter that would impede the Inspector’s access to any attic openings and attic space.
Move and safely store any fragile and precarious furnishings.
Replace all non-working light bulbs with working bulbs.
Empty the dishwasher, oven, etc. of dishes and other utensils.
Replace dirty air conditioning filters.
Ensure access to any water heater, heating unit, water softener, etc.
Open window coverings and clean the windows.
Don’t water the yard immediately prior to the Inspection.
As a reminder, if the Inspector is not able to access the entirety of the house, the impression left with the potential buyer, may be worse than if the house has major defects. People simply don’t gain confidence with uncertainty, particularly when it comes to choosing a home for their family to live.
