top of page
home-inspections.jpeg

Home Sellers: Preparing for a Home Inspection

When you are ready to sell, don't stress! Follow these tips to ensure your inspection goes as smoothly as possible.

​

  • Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work

  • Provide access to the furnace, water heater and electric panelInstall a new furnace filter – it will be looked at during the inspection and be considered as part of the overall condition of the furnace or the heat pump

  • Ensure all windows operate smoothly: If some are stuck or painted shut, the impression will be that many windows cannot open

  • Replace all damaged window screens

  • Tighten all doorknobs and tighten or repair all handrails, also check to be sure all interior doors will latch to the strike plate

  • Make sure the attic is accessible, the inspector will enter the attic

  • Be sure that there is a minimum of one smoke detector per floor and that it is in proper working condition

  • Provide keys, or unlock sheds and all outside buildings

  • Divert all water away from the house, i.e. down spouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc.

  • Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding, preferably 6 or more inches of clearance

  • Proper grading recommended at the house including under decks/porches – grade should slope away from structure

  • Remove rotting wood/firewood from contact with the house

  • Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof

  • Clean out basement entry drains

  • Where windows are at below grade, install window wells and covers

  • Remove grade from contact of foundation vents

  • Make sure all plumbing fixtures are in proper working order with no leaks

  • Check that toilets are secure to the floor

  • Check that bath vents are properly vented to the outside

  • Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources; check present GFCI receptacles for proper operation

  • Check sump pump for proper operation

  • Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapour barrier

  • Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace, moisture should be below 18%

  • Remove paint, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.

  • If the house is vacant make sure all utilities are turned on

  • Don’t do quick cheap repairs, this will clue in an inspector that amateur work has been done and will make him/her look closer at the house

bottom of page