Getting an offer on your on-the-market home is always exciting. Once you’ve accepted the offer and papers have been signed, you’re ready for your home inspection. Though home inspection is often the last step in the selling process, it is still a very important one. An unfavorable inspection can invalidate signed contracts and put the sale in jeopardy. Here are 5 tips for making sure your home is ready to pass inspection with flying colors.
Gutters and Roof
Especially if you live in an area with any type of severe weather, you’ll want to make sure your roof is in good shape. The climate here in the Gilbert can shorten the life of a roof due to the extreme heat and heavy, blowing rains during the summer monsoons. The roof is responsible for protecting your home from the elements and needs to be inspected yearly. We home inspectors are experts at spotting deterioration. Gutters should be free of debris and clogs, as well as correctly sloped for proper drainage.
Replace Batteries and Bulbs and Tighten Hardware
Being inspection-ready means taking care of all those small things that have been on your to-do list for ages. Double check the batteries in your smoke detectors and make sure they’re all functioning properly. Do the same for carbon monoxide detectors and any other battery operated devices like thermostats and heating or air conditioning units. Replacing any burnt-out or missing light bulbs will let the inspector see that wiring and lighting is working properly. Do a quick walkthrough of your home and check doorknobs, hinges, and handles. Tightening any loose hardware on doors and cabinets will keep your home looking and feeling in good order.
Unlock and Clear Access
Remove any padlocks from gates, doors, and equipment covers and have keys available for all other locks in your home. Also, make sure the home inspector has unobstructed access to any tricky-to-reach areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Providing the inspector with unobstructed, easy access will make for a smoother inspection and a happy inspector.
Repair minor plumbing issues
Leaks, drips, and small clogs are easy to fix but can make a huge difference during your inspection. When an inspector sees minor issues with plumbing, they worry that they’re indicative of larger issues in the home. Check all drain holes and use over the counter drain openers to make sure they’re draining properly. Tightening faucets and taking care of minor leaks and drips will go a long way towards helping you pass your inspection.
Clean Up
A messy house or yard gives the inspector a first impression of a property that hasn’t been well cared for. Having a home on the market that is dirty or messy can suggest neglectful owners, so de-cluttering, shining, and organizing before the date of your inspection is a must. Not only will this allow easier access for the inspector to look at the things they need to see, it will give the impression that you’re proud of your home and have taken good care of it.
Home Inspections in the Gilbert Area
I have inspected many Gilbert, AZ area homes during my time as an inspector. I appreciate when the home has been prepared in advance and I can see that the homeowner has taken the time to really care for their home. This doesn’t mean that I won’t find anything wrong, just that it’ll be easier to do my job. Give me a call at 480-570-5615 if you’re in the Gilbert area and are in need of a home inspector.
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