Ready for Inspection?
It’s no surprise that a well maintained and well prepared home sells faster than a fixer upper. At the end of an exhausting shopping process, many a potential do it yourselfer falls in love with a home ready to relax in.
Today’s buyer wants to know that the home they’ve fallen in love with is a beauty beneath the surface too. That is why home inspections are a critical part of selling a home today. Buyers can’t afford expensive surprises and home inspections give a level of comfort to the process. Inspections often find defects, flaws, and the need for expensive repairs which can be avoided or negotiated before closing.
As a stager, my best advice is to present a property that is beautiful inside and out- and everywhere seen and unseen. Take care of the repairs that haven’t made it up to the top of the “to do” list because they will be on the home inspectors list and dealing with them pre-closing is stressful.
What will the home inspector be looking for and how can you prepare? Take a look at the list below and then take a critical look at your own property. Many of these things can be done by the average do it yourselfer and don’t cost a lot of money. Even the ones that do cost are probably going to need to be done anyway. If you are selling a home older than 15 years, you may consider hiring an inspector before you list your home to head off any unpleasant surprises. Better to take care of any needed repairs on your schedule when you have time to get multiple estimates, rather than hasty repairs to meet a contract deadline.
OUTSIDE:
- Check the condition of the roof and gutters. Clear both of debris. Refasten any loose gutters or roofing materials.
- Repair and replace any rotten wood.
- Repair any damaged mortar joints in brick and block.
- Insure proper slope of grade, water should flow away from house, including under the deck. Pull back mulch 12” from foundation.
- Prune any trees or plants away from touching the house.
- Paint and caulk exterior as needed.
- Remove firewood from contact with foundation.
- Repair cracked asphalt driveways.
- Make sure chimney and flue cap are in good repair.
INSIDE:
- HVAC: Clean filters, air returns and space around unit.
- Clean fireplace or woodstove.
- Make sure all areas of home are accessible to inspection.
- All plumbing fixtures need to be in good working order. Repair as needed.
- Caulk around tub, shower, and sink, as needed.
- Make sure bathroom exhaust fans are functional.
- Make sure all windows and doors are operational and in good repair.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace if necessary.
- Check all electrical outlets and GFCI receptacles, replace as needed. Install GFCI receptacles near any water sources.
- Replace burned out light bulbs.
- Seal masonry walls.
- Check for proper attic ventilation.
Basements
- Check crawl spaces for necessary vapor barriers. Be sure crawlspace is dry and accessible.
- Caulk any holes to exterior; HVAC, electrical, cable, etc.
- Repair sump pump if needed.
- Remove any paints, solvents, combustibles from interior spaces. Store properly in garage.
- Check for mold or mildew. Remediate if needed.
- If windows are below grade, install window wells and covers.
Whatever you do, take your time and do a good job. It will be noticed. A poorly executed repair makes home owners wonder what they are not seeing. Conversely, a well maintained and properly repaired home gives potential buyers confidence that they will be happy with their purchase. You’ll be happier too if you are not surprised by a list of last minute repairs to be made before closing.
Best wishes for a speedy sale-
Sandy Gardner |