FAQ’s

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Are you planning on scheduling a home inspection soon? You can use the following checklist to make sure you’re ready.

• Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding and crawl space vents. (Preferably 6 or more inches of clearance.)
• Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
• Divert all water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc.
• Grade should slope away from structure. Proper grading recommended under deck. (Clean out basement entry drains.)
• Trim trees, roots and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and chimney.
• Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows, doors and any penetrations.
• Seal asphalt driveways if cracking.
• Clean or replace heating and ventilation filters. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
• Test all smoke detectors or replace if they are older than 7 years. Also, install Carbon Monoxide detecors. (One detector per level.)
• Clean chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide a copy for buyer).
• Seal masonry walls in basement.
• 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.
• Get all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including any cracked windows.
• Put all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for any leaks.
• 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, firewood from contact with house.
• Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier covering all soils.
• Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors and fixtures.
• Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18%, to deter rot and mildew.
• Check that bath fans are properly vented to house exterior.
• Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
• Check that toilets are secured to floor and caulked.
• Have clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
• If house is vacant be sure all utilities are turned on:
  • Water
  • Electric
  • Water Heater
  • Furnace/Air Conditioning
  • Breakers in main panel
• 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.