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One step that is inevitable in the home selling process is a visit from a professional house inspector. The following steps should be taken to ensure the inspection is a success. It is a good idea to be aware ahead of time of any serious problems which may be present in your home so you will be prepared to deal with them.
1. Ensure that past home renovations have not damaged the structure of the house. Structural damages to look for are: termites caused extensive damage, the settling of the house has caused damage to the foundation, support beams and joists are cracked or otherwise damaged.
2. Ensure that the electrical and wiring systems are safe and acceptable. Loose wires or incorrectly installed or wired receptacles, switches, or electrical box problems, are all hazardous and should be corrected. All homes should have a minimum of 100 amp service.
3. Ensure there are no evident leaks. Water can run and leak into odd and unexpected places, causing extensive damage over time. If there are signs of water leakage, quite often they can be spotted by examining the underside of sinks and dishwashers, along ceilings, on floors, or along basement walls. Plumbing fixtures, water-using appliances, drain pipes, water supply inlets and outlets, basements, and roofs, can all be causes and sources of water damage.
4. Ensure that safety issues are resolved in your home. Trim foliage which may impair a safe view of the area around the home, ensure that windows open and close easily and securely, and that all entrances/exits to the home can also be securely locked. Hazards such as hidden curbs, loose railings and/or stairs, unused wells which are not capped, etc., should be corrected.
5. With respect to plumbing, ensure that all fixtures are in good working condition and are free from large cracks. Faucets should run easily and shut off completely, proper grouting and caulking should be present around bathtubs, toilets. All fixtures should be bolted down securely and drains should be clog free. The home’s water heater should also be in a good working condition.
6. All heating and cooling systems may have to be checked to ensure they are relatively up to date, clean, are in a good working condition, and have clean filters. Refrigerant should be checked in any air conditioning units that may require proper servicing.
7. Also, a general, unbiased overview of your home by a neighbour or friend may reveal matters which need to be dealt with that you may have overlooked.