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Preparing for
a Home Inspection
Most consumers
are now hiring home inspectors before they purchase a
home. There are hundreds of items in your home that an
Inspector will be looking at. Many of these items may
be taken care of with little or no cost. Some of these
items will indicate to the Home Inspector and Buyer that
the house has been maintained.
1. Remove grade
or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or more
inches of clearance.
2. Clean out
dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
3. Divert all
water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation
drain, etc. Grade should slope away from structure. Clean
out basement entry drains.
4. Trim trees,
roots and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and
chimney.
5. Paint all
weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys,
windows and doors.
6. Seal asphalt
driveways if cracking.
7. Seal or
point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal flue cap.
8. Clean or
replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
9. Point up
any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
10. Test all
smoke detectors, install CO detectors if needed.
11. Update
attic ventilation if none is present.
12. Clean &
service chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide a copy
for buyer).
13. Seal masonry
walls in basement if old stains are present.
14. Don't do
quick cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs) this will
clue in an Inspector that amateur work has been done and
will tend to make him/her look closer at the house.
15. Put all
windows and doors in proper operating condition, including
any cracked windows.
16. Put all
plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper
working condition. Look for any visible leaks.
17. Install
GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas, test all
present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
18. Check sump
pump for proper operation and inspect condition of crock
(pit) and drain-tile if present.
19. Replace
any burned out light bulbs.
20. Remove
rotting wood, firewood from contact with house.
21. Proper
grading is recommended under deck, filter cloth and gravel.
22. Peroxide
in sump pump or condensate drain will reduce odors and
bacteria.
23. Caulk all
exterior wall penetrations.
24. Caulk all
tub/shower fixtures.
25. Caulk along
tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors.
26. Check that
crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier.
Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture
levels in wood should be below 20%, to deter rot and mildew.
27. Check that
bathrooms are properly vented.
28. Remove
paints, solvents, gas, debris, etc. from crawlspace, basement,
attic, and porch.
29. Check that
toilets are secure to floor.
30. Where windows
are at or below grade install window wells and covers.
31. Remove
grade from contact with foundation vents.
32. Have clear
access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, garage
and other areas that will need to be inspected.
33. If house
is vacant be sure all utilities are turned on.
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