Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection

 ​​Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection 
Speed up your home sale by preparing your home ahead of time using the following tips. Your home inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.
​

1. Confirm that the water, electrical and gas services are turned on (including pilot lights).
2. Make sure your pets won't hinder the home inspection.  Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Most inspections last approximately 3 to 4 hours. Tell your agent about any pets that "MUST" stay home.  Also clean up pet mess in the yard.  I’m sure you won’t want that being accidentally tracked into the home.
3. Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a "light is inoperable" defect on the report that may suggest an electrical problem.
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace dead batteries.  Replace them if they are over 10 years old or not functional.
5. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. Make sure they are the correct size and installed properly. The arrow points to the furnace. 
6. Remove stored items, debris, and wood from areas around the foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites and other wood destroying organisms (WDO).
7. Tidy up the home.  This includes removing items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electrical service panels, the water heater, attic access and crawlspace access.  Have it looking like the day it was listed and photos were taken.  Remember, your potential buyer will likely be there during the inspection. 
8. Unlock any locked areas that your home inspector will need to access, such as the attic door or hatch, the electrical service panel access, the door to the basement, and exterior gates.
9.  Trim any shrubs that are too close to the house and can hide pests or hold moisture against the exterior.  
10. Repair or replace any broken or missing items, such as doorknobs, locks or latches, windowpanes or screens, gutters or downspouts, or chimney caps.

Checking these areas before the home inspection is an investment in selling your property.  You will thank yourself when your buyer does not have a list of repair requests for you. 
Lastly, we encourage our clients to attend the inspection.  This is intended to answer all their questions or concerns, and to show them how the systems in their home operate. A detailed walkthrough with the inspector often keeps mole hills from turning into mountains.  Your preparation and cooperation is greatly appreciated!