If you are planning to sell your home, it’s crucial to get a home inspection done by a professional for buyers and lenders to review. In many cases, it’s this process that facilitates a deal that satisfies both the buyer and the lender. Here are a few important points to remember when you prepare for a home inspection.
Take care of necessary repairs
One of the most obvious steps to prepare for a home inspection is to fix any major problems that easily stand out. A leaky roof requires repair as soon as the leak is discovered, otherwise, the problem can get far more expensive with time. If a leak is left neglected, it can manifest into a bigger leak or lead to the buildup of unhealthy mold and mildew. Any type of moisture entering the structure can cause further damage.
Bad wiring is another hazard that needs immediate attention. Worn wiring can cause sparks to jump and start a fire. It might even cause a slow smoldering process that leads to a fire accident after several months. Improper installation of wiring can also be dangerous. That’s why it’s always important to hire trained and certified repair specialists rather than trying to learn about electrical circuits from scratch.
Poor plumbing cannot be ignored because it’s one of the first things a buyer will check to make sure the home is ready to occupy. If pipes are clogged or have leaks, you will be expected to fix them. Fragile pipes that deliver hot water can break and cause a person to get badly scalded. A professional home inspector will determine if your piping is cracked or if there’s a buildup of harmful bacteria.
You should also be aware if there are any cracks in the foundation or if floors are sloping. Other structural problems, such as doors or windows that don’t shut properly, should be corrected to prevent the buyer from suspecting long-term neglect.
Steps leading up to inspection
Once you’ve fixed the major issues with your house, you can prepare for a home inspection by a qualified specialist. You should first organize your home so that clutter is removed to make the home inspector’s job easier. It helps if the inspector’s first impression is a clean, well-organized home. Raking up leaves and clearing junk from the yard will further help your cause.
Another step to help the home inspector is to compile all your maintenance bills in an easy-to-use filing system. This collection of paperwork should include insurance documentation for any repair or replacement claims. The inspector must also be able to access all parts of the house or you will not be able to get a full evaluation. Any problems discovered by the inspector should be immediately addressed by scheduling repairs.
Some people move out of their homes completely and then turn the sale over to someone else. Regardless of how you prepare your home for sale, you should leave the utilities on, especially for an inspector. He or she will need to test the stove, HVAC system, and other appliances. Another move to help the inspector is to clear debris from the home’s foundation so the inspector can evaluate the structure.
Make sure the attic, storage sheds, gates, and basement aren’t locked. If you have pets, keep them separate from the inspector in a secure place. The total inspection may take at least three hours, so plan accordingly. Give the inspector a contact number where they can reach you if required.
Selling your home involves a lot of work and evaluation to make sure it’s up to code and meets the needs of a buyer. Part of planning for a profitable sale involves investing in the right insurance so that you aren’t overwhelmed with repair bills. For assistance with all your insurance needs, contact an expert at Westwood Insurance Agency today.
