How to Prepare Your Home for an Inspection
Congratulations! You’ve listed your home, had numerous open houses and showings, and you’ve finally received an offer! Good news so far, but you still need to make it through a few more hoops before it’s a done deal. We’re talking about a home inspection! 
Even though you may know your home inside and out, a home inspector may find issues that your buyers will want you to address. While there is no guarantee that you’ll pass your inspection without any issues, you can take steps to better prepare your home for an inspection. Here are The Cesi Pagano Team’s suggestions on how to prepare your home for an inspection:
- Clean your home: This may seem obvious, but cleaning is often overlooked before an inspection. A messy home gives the impression of uncaring owners and neglected regular maintenance.
- Remove clutter: If you’ve already started packing, that’s a good start. But in order to help out the inspector, be sure to empty the spaces underneath your sinks, and move anything that blocks access to your water heater, furnace, electrical panels, and other appliances.
- Provide complete access to your home: Make sure that anything without lockbox access is unlocked. This includes gates, sheds, or even garages. It’s also important that nothing is blocking access to attics, basements, or storage spaces. Inaccessible areas are cause for incomplete inspections and delays.
- Check all plumbing fixtures: Ensure that all plumbing fixtures (toilets, tubs, showers, sinks) are working properly. Check for and fix any leaks. If necessary, caulk around the fixtures
- Leave the lights on: Make sure all your light bulbs work; especially in areas you don’t normally use (attic, storage spaces, etc.). Replace any burnt bulbs.
- Check smoke detectors: Do a quick test of your smoke detector to ensure they are in safe working condition
- Sump pump: Check for proper operation.
- Leave proof of any repairs: Leave receipts and repair invoices for anything you’ve had fixed in the home. This shows the inspector proof of upkeep and may quickly answer any questions he or she may have.
With these tips, you will be well on your way to a successful home inspection. Keep in mind that you should also plan on leaving your home for at least three hours (this includes pets)! That way the home inspector is free to do their job uninterrupted.
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