You see light at the end of the tunnel. Your house is almost sold! But there’s one final hurdle to overcome – the home inspection.
And with all the home inspection nightmares you hear about, it’s no wonder homeowners dread this part the most.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. You have more control than you think! Here’s your guide to help you avoid home inspection nightmares when selling your house.
1. Educate Yourself on What Inspectors Will Look at
Knowing what you’re getting into and how the process works beforehand can do a lot to relieve stress. Take a look at a sample home inspection report, it will give you an idea of what to expect.
And spoiler alert: an inspector will look at everything. It’s not a quick glance and walk-through. So the more you know, the more you can prepare and avoid any home inspection nightmares.
2. Get Your Paperwork Together
Having a folder of all home-related documentation will help the process go smoothly. Plus, it will show how well you’ve taken care of your home, which will bode well during an inspection.
Gather documentation for all maintenance and repairs that you made. If you have any finished insurance claims, add that to the mix. And don’t forget permits and past inspection reports received on home add-ons or remodeling projects.
3. Clean and Declutter
You’ve likely kept your home spick and span throughout the selling process. But don’t let an accepted offer allow the clutter to build back up.
Keep your home clean. While it won’t play much of a role in the inspection itself, it does give a good impression to the inspector. A home that is well taken care of usually appears that way.
4. Do Your Own Walk-Through
Now, put yourself in the shoes of an inspector and do a walk-through of your own house. Bring a friend or your real estate agent with you if you need an impartial, trusted opinion. Also, bring the sample home inspection report with you.
And look at everything.
Get out a ladder and do the close inspection of your roof. Check the foundation of the house and look for cracks, unevenness, and rot. Inside look for damaged walls, exposed wires, or burnt marks on outlets.
Take note of anything that catches your eye and looks out of the ordinary.
5. Consider Getting a Pre-Inspection
Some homeowners feel better about getting a pre-inspection done before a buyer’s inspector comes out to look at the property. That way it avoids any surprises and they’re able to fix any problems noted.
But it’s important to note that different inspectors may find different issues. And anything your inspector finds, you’re obligated to disclose to the buyers.
So make sure you weigh out the pros and cons.
6. Take Care of the Easy Fixes
Fortunately, there are several easy fixes you can do on your own to prepare for a home inspection and avoid any nightmares.
Replace Light Bulbs
A burnt-out bulb may not seem like a big deal, but to an inspector, it can flag an electrical problem. The fixture or wiring could be faulty, which they’ll inspect further or noted on the report. Avoid any issues by making sure all light bulbs are burning bright.
Change Furnace Filter
A dirty furnace filter will make an inspector think you don’t take proper care of your heating and air system. Not only is a clean filter important for air quality, but it also helps the system run the way it should. Make the easy switch out for a new filter.
Label Your Fuse Box
Organize your fuse box with clear and correct labels for each switch. Future homeowners will appreciate it and it will help out your inspector.
Check All Doors
Walk through your house and test all doors, both interior, and exterior. Make sure they swing, shut, and latch properly. Fix anything that isn’t in good working condition.
The same is true for cabinet doors. Sometimes a simple tightening of the hinge is all it takes to get things squared away.
Get Rid of Bugs or Pests
An occasional lone spider or beetle in a home is normal, especially in the warmer weather months. But if your kitchen is hosting an army of ants, or there’s a major wasp’s nest outside your back door, it’s time to get exterminating. An inspector will spot any pest problems, which will turn off potential buyers.
Clear Drains and Look for Leaks
Fill your sinks and showers with water and watch how they drain. If it’s slow moving, try to speed things up with some drain cleaner.
And while you’re at it, look for any signs of leaks. Check under sinks, around the base of toilets, under appliances, and around faucets. Also inspect the walls, ceiling, and floors of any telltale signs.
7. Provide Clear Access to Your Home
On the day of the inspection, ensure everything runs smoothly.
Have all doors and gates unlocked. Clear trashcans, lawn furniture, and anything else away from the house. And secure all pets.
Don’t forget about the interior. Give easy access and views of the basement, attic, under sinks, and utility rooms.
8. Don’t Take Any Findings Personal
A homeowner may go on the defense if an appliance they installed is noted to be improper. Or go on the defense at any number of findings. But it’s important to remember that a home inspection report is not an attack on you.
Focus on the big picture. Home buyers are not expecting perfection. They want to know they aren’t getting in over their heads, just as you would want to know at your new house.
An experienced real estate agent can help you interpret an inspection report. They can let you know which findings you could give your buyers money towards fixing. And which ones you should tackle yourself.
Preparation Is the Key to Avoiding Home Inspection Nightmares
The light at the end of the tunnel is now brighter! Giving that final push and preparation will help you avoid any home inspection nightmares from getting you to your end goal.
Ready to get your home inspection scheduled? Contact us today! Let Class Home Inspection put their 30+ years of experience to work for you.