A home inspection is one of the things that both the home buyer and seller must consider in a real estate transaction. Having a licensed professional home inspector not only gives confidence before making an investment but helps you avoid making a bad investment as a buyer. When it comes to sellers, it’s important to know how best to prepare for one. It’s unfortunate that most sellers ignore this important part of the process.
Preparing your home for an inspection in advance will not only give the inspector an easier time but also help prevent any damages or problems. As a home seller, the last thing you’d want to experience is a home inspector breaking a kitchen fixture or causing damage to parts of your home because you were ill-prepared. Whether it’s the buyer’s inspector showing up or you’re planning one for the buyer, it’s important to thoroughly prepare your home.
Start by Cleaning and De-cluttering your Home
While home inspectors are professionals, they are people who have preconceived ideas and perceptions on how a home should be maintained and organized. Ensuring your home is clean before your Des Moines Home Inspection Company arrives will not only make a good impression but make it easier for them to do their job. Don’t assume they’ll be able to see past your fixtures and stuff. It’s important that they have easy access to the basement, attics, roof, and other parts of your home.
Get your Paperwork Together
Make available to your inspector the documentation of all repairs and maintenance that’s been done on your property. From new items like the furnace or roof to renovation projects you’ve undertaken, be sure to provide documentation. Include papers on any insurance claims on your house, if any.
Provide Access to Attic and Garage
As mentioned, the home inspector will need complete access to your home including your attic and basement. The best you can do to make it easy for him is keeping a path cleared. If you have any items stored in these areas, consider moving them. It’s recommended to move your items about two feet from the walls. Ensure all your valuables are secured.
Provide Workspace around Water Heaters and the Furnace
If there’s anything that appears to be preventing access to your air conditioner, water heaters, and furnace, you might want to remove them. Leave at least 3 feet of working space for the home inspector to freely move around and inspect these items. In most cases, the inspector will not move any item himself but recommend a specialist to the buyer, is there’s no access. A specialist might end up finding more things wrong than the general home inspector.
Leave your Utilities Connected
If the house is vacant, leaving the utilities on will allow the inspector to test the HVAC units, run the dishwasher, and turn on other fixtures and appliances. You don’t want them to reschedule the inspection simply because the power was turned off or there are no utilities. Rescheduling will result in delays when it comes to closing your deal with the buyer. You might have to pay a re-inspection fee before the inspector makes a return trip.
Clear brush away the foundation and Cut down dead tree branches
It’s important that you provide a path around your home. You wouldn’t expect the home inspector to shovel a tunnel around your house during winter to clear away through the snow blocking your home’s foundation. If it’s in summer, you might want to cut down dead tree limbs and clear brush from the foundation. Ensure your home’s exterior is clean. If there are any trash cans, it’s a good idea to move them away from the house.
Looking for a reputable professional home inspector and live in the Des Moines region? Call Rightway Home Inspections today!