At Ron Lane Home Inspections, we want to make sure you have all of the information you need when preparing to sell your home. Our guide on how to prepare for a home inspection can help. Not only can this valuable information prepare you for your upcoming sale, it might also point out improvements you could make pre-sale so that you can get the best possible price for you home.
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
Speed up your home sale by preparing your home ahead of time using the following tips from our How to Prepare for a Home Inspection guide. Your home inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.
- Confirm that the water, electrical and gas services are turned on (including pilot lights).
- Make sure your pets won’t hinder your inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
- Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a “light is inoperable” report that may suggest an electrical problem.
- Remove stored items, debris and wood from the foundation. These may be cited as “conducive conditions” for termites.
- Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electrical service panels, the water heater, attic and crawlspace.
- Unlock any locked areas that your home inspector must access, such as the attic door or hatch, the electrical service panel, the door to the basement and any exterior gates.
- Trim tree limbs so that they are at least 10 feet away from the roof. Trim any shrubs that are too close to the house and can hide pests or hold moisture against the exterior.
- Repair or replace any broken or missing items, such as doorknobs, locks, latches, windowpanes, screens, gutters or downspouts and chimney caps.
Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property.