It’s not a bad idea to get your home inspected before it’s time to sell. All too often, sellers wait until the last minute to do the inspection and are discouraged when they get a list of mandatory repairs that need to be taken care of before the buyers are willing to sign. This can cause stress and frustration, especially in a time crunch!
To dodge the rush and the stress, we have created this Pre-Inspection Checklist to prepare you for your home inspection and to make this process as easy as possible. Now this list doesn’t include everything, but it will definitely get you started in the right direction. Bust out the toolbox and work on some preemptive repairs to get a head start in the selling process. You will find a detailed description of each item below.
1. Electrical Issues
Electrical Panel: Clear a path to be sure your electrical panel is easily accessible. This is one of the first places your inspector will look. It helps (homeowners and inspectors) if your panel is labeled clearly and correctly. If not, replace labels as needed.
Outlets: Check that all switches and outlets have cover plates without cracks or defects. Exposed wiring is an electrical hazard. You can purchase an outlet tester at any home improvement store to know ahead of time which outlets will fail the inspection. If any outlets are not working properly, contact an electrician.
Bulbs: Replace any and all light bulbs that are out. A blown bulb is a red flag to an inspector. It could mean that the bulb itself is out or there is a problem with the fixture’s wiring. Either way, save the inspector time by replacing blown bulbs to avoid either of these scenarios.
2. Drainage
Exterior: Pick a day when it rains to assess how your property drains. Water should drain away from your house for the first three feet. Are there any spots where the rainwater flows toward the house? Are the downspouts pouring away from the house? If there are drainage issues, it would be best to bust out the shovel and increase the grade in those low spots before the inspection takes place.
Interior: Leaks, water damage, and dampness in a basement, or any part of a house, are another red flag for an inspector. Beat them to it, and check for leaks under sinks, around faucets, around toilets, and near bathtubs and showers. Also look around any appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators. Signs of water damage can typically be seen on walls, ceilings, and floors. Look for warping, sagging or buckling spots in these areas. If you see signs of leaks or water damage, this should be a cause for concern.
3. Roof Damage
To start, get out a ladder and clean debris from the gutters. Check for damaged or missing tiles and see if the downspouts are properly positioned and secured. If you notice damage or potential issues, be proactive and hire a roofer to come assess the repairs needed on your roof. If they come up with a list and you get those taken care of, ask them for a “Roof Certificate.” This kind of documentation will put the buyers at ease.
4. Faulty Plumbing
Sinks: Fill your sinks about halfway, then pull the plug to see if they drain normally. If you notice slow drainage, start by cleaning the P-Trap. If the sink still won’t drain, it might be time to call the plumber.
Toilets: The inspector will flush and check all toilets for secure mounting and proper function. If you notice your toilet runs for a long time after flushing, or makes a leaking sound before use, head to the hardware store. These problems are inexpensive to fix but can be a real pain in the neck on an inspector’s report.
Showers/tubs: Check the drain, just like you did for the sinks, but also notice any cracks in the grout or caulked joints. Minor issues like this often get written up, so to fix them ahead of time just match the grout or caulk color and touch up the damaged areas.
5. Poor Upkeep
Last but not least, inspectors want to see that the home has been taken care of and maintained. There are a variety of things an inspector will look for to determine this.
- Cracked, chipped, bubbling interior or exterior paint
- Broken or cracked windows
- Damaged window screens
- Cracked caulk around doors, windows, and water areas
- Misaligned, damaged, or non-latching doors
When it comes to selling your home, the inspection is just one piece of the puzzle. Don’t let the tasks, projects and the paperwork overwhelm you. Call Missouri Home, Farm & Land Realty, LLC. This is what we do best! Give us a call at 417-777-3300 or click here to contact us on our website.