Items for Sellers to Check Before Inspection
All buyers will conduct a home inspection of the property as a contingency of the sale. The following is a list of items all sellers should inspect prior to listing.
- Remove soil or mulch from contact with siding. Six (6) or more inches of clearance is preferred.
- Clean out dirty gutters and debris from roof.
- Divert all water away from the house; i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drains and the like. Grade should slope away from the structure. Clean out basement entry drains.
- Trim trees, roots and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
- Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around the trim, chimney, windows and doors.
- Seal asphalt driveways, if cracking.
- Seal or point masonry chimney caps. Install metal flue cap.
- Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
- Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
- Test all smoke detectors to ensure they are in safe working condition.
- Update attic ventilation if none is present.
- Have the chimney, fireplace or wood stove cleaned and provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.
- Seal masonry walls in the basement.
- Don’t do quick, cheap repairs. You may raise questions that will unnecessarily cause concern to buyers and inspectors.
- Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked windowpanes.
- Ensure that all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower, and sinks) are in proper working conditions. Check for and fix any leaks. Caulk around fixtures if necessary.
- Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources. Test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
- Check sump pump for proper operation.
- Replace any burned out light bulbs.
- Remove rotting wood and/or firewood from contact with the house.
- Ensure that proper grading is followed under a deck.
- Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
- Check to ensure that the crawl space is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary. Remove any visible moisture from a crawl space. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18% to deter rot and mildew.
- Check that bath vents are properly vented and in working condition.
- Remove paints, solvents, gas, and similar materials from crawl space, basement, attic, porch, and so forth.
- If windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.
- Have clear access to attic, crawl space, heating system, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected and remove any locks.
- If the house is vacant, make sure that all utilities are turned on, including water, electric, water heater, furnace, air conditioning and breakers in the main panel.