Having a home inspection performed is important not only when you are buying and selling a house, but on a regular basis as well. If you’ve been thinking about having your home inspected, there are a few things you need to do beforehand. When you or a potential buyer have contacted a professional home inspector and scheduled a date, here is how to prepare for a home inspection.
Clean, Clean, Clean
If this wasn’t something that you were already planning on doing, put it at the top of your to-do list. When a home is clean and orderly, the inspector and potential buyer alike might believe that the rest of the home is maintained just as well. Also, it makes it easy for the inspector to move around and get to the spaces that they need to reach. For instance, clear the spaces around your air conditioning units, water heaters, furnaces, etc. so that the inspector is not inconvenienced.
Keep Everything On
The inspector will check your running water, stove, air conditioner and so on, so you will need to keep all of your utilities connected. If your utilities are not connected, it is likely that the inspector will reschedule, which would delay your move even further. Also, when you prepare for a home inspection, keep working light bulbs in all the lighting fixtures. This way, the inspector will know that the fixture works when they flick on the switch.
Provide Clearance
Like clearing the spaces around your indoor utility units, you should do the same for your outdoor spaces. Trim back any bushes or trees that might be blocking the path to your outdoor air conditioning unit. And like cleaning the inside of your home, a nicely kept yard will be more appealing to the buyer. Be sure to also leave keys or access codes for garages, basements, attics or other locked areas so that the inspection can be completed.
Put Away Animals
When you are in the process of selling your home, and a potential buyer is having a home inspection run, be sure to safely crate your animals, or take them with you if you decide not to stay. This is to protect your dog or cat from getting loose during the inspection. It also is a sign of courtesy to the potential buyer and inspector as they make their way through the house without an animal following them around.
Ask for a Pre-Inspection
It can never hurt to ask an inspector for a pre-inspection. Though you may believe your home has no major issues, it can still be a good idea to double-check with a professional. This way, before you even put your house on the market, you can address issues or disclose them with your realtor.
Are you preparing your home for sale? Having a professional home inspection performed on your home can rule out all potential issues for the next buyer. Visit our website to contact us at Champia today and schedule your home inspection in atlanta.
