6 Ways to Prepare for a Home Inspection
Before putting your house on the market, it’s important to prepare for a home inspection. After a buyer makes an offer, he or she will order an inspection to gain a better understanding of the condition of the property. The inspector will look for problems, defects, and safety concerns. Get your home ready and take time to solve any problems and make repairs ahead of the buyers inspection.
Look for Signs of Water Damage
Signs of water damage are a major concern to both an inspector and a potential buyer. Stains on the walls or ceiling indicate that there is a leak somewhere in the home. Before listing your home, locate the source of the leak, and make repairs. You can show the inspector your receipts and repair contract to illustrate what work was done.
Prepare for a Home Inspection by Checking Bulbs and Testing Batteries
Make sure all the bulbs are operating and all battery-powered devices – like smoke detectors and remotes for ceiling fans – are working. It is a good idea to test and fix anything that isn’t operating properly. Remember, if a bulb doesn’t work, the inspector will note that on the report, leaving the buyer wondering if the fixture is broken, the switch is defective, or if it’s simply a burned-out light bulb.
Make Sure the Bathrooms are Well-Ventilated
If you are selling an older home, there’s a chance that the bathroom ventilation system might not meet the current building standards. Make sure the exhaust fans vent to the outside of the home. Ventilation fans help to control humidity, improve air quality, and reduce the chance of mold growth.
Replace Rotting Wood
Generally, rotting wood is due to a lack of maintenance or water damage. Before putting your home on the market, inspect the wood around decks, exterior trims and siding, and outdoor stairs and handrails. Make repairs and replace any wood as needed.
Seal Your Home’s Exterior
Windows and doors are susceptible to air leaks. The most common sign of a poor window seal is fog or condensation on the glass or you may feel air coming in near the window. Use caulk to seal gaps or cracks around your window frames and doors.
Chimneys can lose mortar and develop cracks over time. If your chimney has small cracks, hire a specialist to make repairs. However, if the stack has a large crack at the base or throughout the structure, you should contact a professional to check whether the chimney poses a risk to the property.
Inspect for Mold to Prepare for a Home Inspection
It’s a good idea to double-check for mold even if there are no apparent or obvious signs. Mold growing in the attic is a common issue that inspectors discover during home inspections. Before listing your home, seek an expert’s help to test for mold.
Best Choice Inspections provides home inspections, including pre-listing inspections, to the Knoxville, TN area. Before you put your home on the market, contact us to request our services.