Maximizing Your Home’s Appeal: Preparing for an Inspection

Preparing your home for a home inspection is an essential step, regardless of whether you are selling it or the buyer has booked an inspection prior to the closing of the deal. Getting your house ready will ensure that the procedure goes more smoothly and could even result in better outcomes.

The home inspector will perform a comprehensive inspection of your home’s physical structure and systems to discover any flaws, damages, or concerns regarding safety. They will then provide a comprehensive report that includes images, analysis, and recommendations based on their findings.

To help you with this process, Mike Forrester at CU Inspections has prepared a comprehensive Preparation Checklist for a Successful Home Inspection. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the inspection and ensure a smooth, safe, and productive experience:

Buyer’s Inspection

As the homeowner, you typically won’t attend the buyer’s inspection. It will be the buyer and their chosen inspector. Before the inspection, remove any personal items you don’t want the inspector to see, such as photos, documents, valuables, or medications. Ensure the house alarm is off and secure, or remove any pets.

Clean and Declutter Your Home

One of the simplest yet most important things you can do is clean and declutter your home. A clean, tidy house makes a good impression on the inspector and shows that you care about your property.

• Remove any trash.
• Clean surfaces, floors, and windows.
• Organize storage areas.

Make Areas Accessible

Provide clear access for the inspector to conduct a thorough and accurate inspection.

• Clear any obstacles or debris.
• Open access to the attic, crawl space, closets, and cabinets.
• Ensure areas around the furnace, water heater, air conditioner, and electrical panel are accessible.
• Ensure all doors, windows, gates, locks, switches, outlets, etc., are working.
• Open all window coverings to avoid possible damage.
• If the garage is detached, leave a key.

Repair Minor Issues

Address any known issues before the inspection to avoid negative impressions and potential repair requests.

• Fix leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, or cracked tiles.
• Ensure all appliances included in the sale are clean and in good working order (dishwasher, oven, stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer).

Perform Basic Maintenace Tasks

A home inspector will check the functionality and efficiency of your cooling, heating, and electrical systems.

• Replace dirty air filters in your furnace and air conditioner.
• Change the water filter in your refrigerator and the range hood filter in your kitchen.
• Replace dead batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Replace any burnt-out or flickering light bulbs.
• Turn on the pilot light for the fireplace; ensure the wood stove is clean and safe.

Tidy Up the Exterior

The inspector will also look at the exterior of your home and its surroundings.

• Clean the rain gutters.
• Clear walkways of debris or hazards.
• Trim trees or branches away from the house.
• Ensure fences, decks, patios, or sheds are in good shape and secure.

Gather Important Documents

Compile any relevant documentation that may be helpful for the inspector.

• Gather receipts, invoices, warranties, permits, manuals, etc., for home repairs, renovations, or appliances.

Special Instructions

Provide any special instructions to prevent property damage or personal injury.

• Indicate the sump pump discharge location.
• Explain why a circuit breaker is in the off position.
• Mention if outdoor lights are on a timer or solar eye.

Conclusion

In summary, to prepare your house for a home inspection:

• Clean and declutter your home.
• Ensure accessibility by clearing obstacles and providing open access to all areas.
• Repair minor issues.
• Replace filters, batteries, and bulbs.
• Trim and tidy up your landscaping.
• Compile relevant documentation.
• Provide special instructions to the inspector.

Following these guidelines will help make the home inspection process smoother, avoid delays, and increase the value and appeal of your home to potential buyers.

How Can We Help?

Mike Forrester is the owner-operator of Construction Unlimited Inspections (CUI). He is licensed and certified and brings knowledge and expertise to every inspection.

CUI offers residential and commercial home inspections to clients in Northwest Indiana. We serve South Bend, Mishawaka, Valparaiso, Plymouth, Walkerton, Bremen, Laporte, Knox, Culver, and North Judson.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a property, we’re here to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions. Contact Mike today to schedule an appointment and discuss how we can customize a whole-home inspection to suit your requirements.

Construction Unlimited Inspections

Book your inspection by phone at 219-363-4196 or book online today.