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.