Make Your Home "Inspection Ready"
From routine maintenance, to detecting conditions that could signify the
need for major repairs, there are many simple steps your seller can take ahead
of time to prepare their home for a professional home inspection. In addition,
on the day of the inspection, attention to a few details can go a long way to
ensuring that everything goes smoothly.
DISCLOSURES
- Disclose past catastrophes
such as fires or floods, or if the property was ever used as a marijuana
grow house or meth lab
- Provide building permits and
plans for any major renovations
- Disclose any work that was
completed without the proper permits
- Provide invoices and
warrantees for major improvements, roofs, furnaces, and appliances
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE – EXTERIOR
- Repair damaged masonry on
walkways and steps
- Seal any cracks in the
driveway
- Repair minor defects in
exterior wall materials
- Recaulk around exterior
windows and doors
- Replace damaged or missing
shingles
- Recaulk around flashing
- Clean debris from gutters and
check downspouts for proper drainage
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE – INTERIOR
- Repair leaky faucets and
fixtures
- Recaulk around bathtubs and
sinks
- Have an electrician inspect
receptacles and switches and make any necessary repairs
- Repair any cracked or broken
window glass and loosen any windows that are painted shut
- Arrange service for the
furnace and central air conditioning
- Have the chimney swept
- Replace batteries in smoke
detectors and install detectors where missing
ON THE DAY OF THE INSPECTION
- Allow sufficient time for the
inspection – the average Pillar To Post inspection takes between 2.5 and 3
hours
- Be sure that keys are
available for any locked doors
- Allow access to storage
sheds, attics, yards, crawlspaces, basements, and garages
- Provide access to components
such as electrical panels, water meter, and gas meter
- Move objects from around the
water heater, furnace, and air conditioner to allow unimpeded access
- Clear paths of snow and
debris
- Keep pets in a safe location
out of the home or in a crate