Home inspections are beneficial for buyers and sellers during a real estate transaction. Inspections allow buyers to understand any issues that need to be addressed before they commit to buying a home, while sellers can use them as an opportunity to highlight the positives of their home.
Both parties benefit from a positive inspection of the home. The following tips can help you prepare your home for a successful inspection.
Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your home makes it easier to access all areas of the house that need to be inspected. Clean out rooms and closets, and move furniture away from walls in order to give the inspector a clear view and to reduce safety hazards.
This also includes removing obstructions near appliances, including the furnace and water heater. The inspector must also be able to access electrical panels.
Make Sure Utilities Are On
The inspector will need to test the electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, so make sure they are all working properly. All utilities should be turned on and easily accessible so the inspector can turn on the water and lights.
Check Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly. This is an important safety feature that inspectors will check for during the inspection.
Fix Minor Repairs
Things like leaky faucets or loose doorknobs may seem small, but they can indicate to the inspector that there may be larger issues with the home. You can save yourself time and money by making small repairs before the inspection.
Clean Up Your Yard
Make sure your yard is well-maintained and free of debris. Trim trees and shrubs, remove any dead plants, sweep the driveway and patio, mow the lawn, and check for any damage to the exterior of your home.
Provide Documentation of Repairs & Renovations
If you have recently had any work done on the home, make sure to have the documentation available for the inspector to review. This will give the inspector a better understanding of any recent changes in the home.
Contact a Home Inspector to Begin the Process
Once you've completed the necessary steps to prepare your home for inspection, it's time to contact a local home inspector. A good inspector will be able to provide a detailed report of the condition of your home and any potential issues buyers need to know about.
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