When it comes to inspecting your home, it's important to take the time to prepare it for the best possible outcome. From tidying up and checking for minor repairs to understanding the most likely defects a home inspector is likely to encounter, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your home inspection goes smoothly. Here are 10 tips from an expert on how best to prepare for a home inspection.
1.Access Outside Elements
Take a couple of hours to prune trees and shrubs, remove dead brush, and leave the outside of your home as clean and tidy as the inside.
Make sure that the inspector can access the attic, the entire basement, and any mezzanine.
2.Focus on Cosmetic Solutions
In addition to making your home more attractive to buyers, focus on how best to prepare for an inspection and obtain a certificate of good health for your home.
3.Move Items from Spaces
Move items from these spaces to a temporary storage location to focus on how best to prepare for an inspection.
4.Tidy Up Your House
Take the time to prepare yourself by tidying up your house and checking it for minor repairs you can do yourself.
5.Do Small Tasks Around the House
Do small tasks around the house to make it easier for the inspector to do his job (and minimize minor problems he finds).
6.Prepare at Least Two Hours Before
Prepare at least two hours before the inspector's arrival (they have been known to arrive early) and prepare with your family to vacate the house during the inspection.
7.Understand Likely Defects
Be prepared for wise homebuyers to ask if you have ever filed a claim against your homeowner's insurance by understanding some of the most likely defects the home inspector is likely to encounter.
8.Order Necessary Repairs
Order necessary repairs before the inspection comes.
9.Check Your Homeowner's Insurance
Check your homeowner's insurance policy and make sure that it is up-to-date.
10. Have Necessary Documents Ready
Have all necessary documents ready for the inspector, such as permits, warranties, and receipts.
