The stress of an inspector finding something wrong in your home is something that worries every seller but it doesn’t have to. If you keep in mind what the inspector is examining your house for, you can make the process of inspecting your home much easier for everyone. Sellers usually think all they’ll have to do for their inspection is leave the house.
Try to be patient with your Realtor if they ask you to leave your home for the inspection. There are a few reasons behind their appeal. Some homeowners can become a bit defensive and quarrelsome with their inspector if they are following them on their inspection. Some homeowners are a little too accommodating, pointing out flaws that the assessor has always noted or doesn’t need to address at all, and some sellers have a tendency to to get in the way of the inspector while they’re working.
But while Realtors do suggest that the homeowners leave during the inspection it’s not the only thing the seller can do.
Empty All Your Closets
Clear out your closets that have access to the attic as the inspector will have to get in and out of the attic areas. Some insulation may fall out of the attic while the inspector goes to and fro. Though the inspector will try to clean it up after he’s done, he might not be able to get all of it. So take all the boxes and clothes out of the closet make it easier to clean up for both you and the inspector.
Keep the Windows Closed
If your home is having a Radon test done keep the windows closed for at least two-three days before the test is to take place. The Radon detector is positioned in your home and will need to be there for 48-72 hours in order to accumulate enough data for more precise test results.
Clear the Way
Your assessor will be running tests on your water heater, the water softener, the heating and cooling systems and the electrical service panel, so make sure the inspector has easy access to everything so they don’t have to step on or over any of your things. If they have to climb over your thing you run the risk of the inspector falling or breaking your things.
The Appliances
Ensure all the appliances staying with the house are plugged into the wall and working correctly. The inspector will be cycling the dishwasher and checking the burners on both the stove and the oven. They’ll also run the ice maker, microwave and any other appliances like the trash compactor to make sure they work properly.
The Garage Door Openers
Make sure your garage door openers are in proper working order and the safeties for the door are set properly. Your inspector will be checking the safety beams to ensure they stop if broken, and that any resistance on the door that indicates the door has hit something or someone will stop it from closing.
Septic and Well
If your inspector is doing septic and well tests try to mark the spot where the tank is or dig down and uncover the top as your septic inspector will have to open the tank to perform their inspection. For the well tests they will test the holding (bladder) tank to make sure it’s hasn’t ruptured.
Other things a good inspector will check are:
Your Faucets
Your home inspector will run all the faucets in your house, the toilets will all be flushed and the tubs and sinks will be filled and drained to ensure none of the plumbing is leaking.
Your Windows
Your inspector will open and close all the windows in the home to confirm they all open and close as they are supposed to.
Your Basement
In your basement your assessor will be checking for any cracks that may show excessive foundation settling and traces of water damage. If there is any previous damage that has already been repaired you will want to leave an explanation for the home inspector and proof of any repairs or water proofing work that has been done.
Your Fireplace
Your home inspector will be checking your chimney for any issues or obstructions. If you have an insert for a wood-burning system installed your assessor will check to ensure there aren’t any instillation problems or failings.
Don’t Hide Problems
Remember that your home inspector will be looking behind, under and around furniture and rugs so don’t try to cover things up by hiding them.
A home inspection doesn’t have to cause unneeded anxiety for the seller or the buyer. If you have a detailed inspector, they can explain the condition of the home to the buyers as they go through and give their opinion and advice on the potential cost of fixing any issues found in the home. A good inspector is able to point out problems to the buyer without causing pointless unease to the buyer. Most complications an assessor will find in a home are minor that involve postponed maintenance or installation mistakes and can be fixed for a few hundred dollars.
So just make sure your home is in the best condition possible for your inspection then leave let the inspector do their work. You’ll have plenty of chances to contend any issues that come up after the inspector has put their report in.
If you’d like to sell your home contact The Sandi Pressley Team today.
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