Preparing For Your Home Inspection: Do’s and Don’ts

Selling a house is no easy task. The entire process can be exhausting and stress-inducing, from cleaning and decluttering to staging and showing.

Just because you have received an offer on your house, it’s not guaranteed that the sale will push through. Your home still needs to pass a home inspection. A home inspection gives buyers a clear picture of the property’s current condition. Depending on what comes up on the inspection report, the buyer can negotiate a lower price, ask you to do some repairs, or walk away from the transaction.

If you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar, make sure that you prepare for the home inspection. Listed below are some dos and don’ts you should consider before the home inspector arrives.

Do’s in Preparing for Your Home Inspection

• Take pets out of the home. We love animals, but scared dogs can react in a way you are unaware of; even the cutest, fluffiest dog can bite. Also, dogs (and cats especially) can bolt out of an open door, and we may not even see it! If you value your pet(s), keep them safe and out of harm’s way.
• While speaking of pets, clean up the waste in the yard. Please remember that home inspectors view every aspect of your home, including the exterior. Don’t make things uncomfortable for the inspector by having them step on your animal’s poo!
• Replace any bulbs that are out. A blown bulb suggests two things to a home inspector: the bulb itself is out, or the fixture’s wiring is faulty. We can waste time determining whether the light is inoperable or note that there’s a possible defect without looking further into it. Avoid both of these scenarios by ensuring that all of your bulbs are in working order.
• Make sure the inspector can get into all attic spaces. If attic access is in the garage, we need to get into it. Make certain vehicles are pulled out of the garage providing clear access. Also, any stored items, moving boxes, or other items need to be moved out from under the access hatch so that we can gain entry.
• Regarding access, ensure we can get to the furnace, electrical panels, water heater, main water shut-off valve, and crawlspace. If we do not have access, a return trip will be required that will delay your closing and cost you or the seller a re-inspection fee.
• If you have a binder or folder showing maintenance records for your home, leave it on the kitchen counter so the buyer can see that you have taken care of your home! It’s also great for the buyer to know the companies you have trusted with your home and provides them with a valuable resource for who they can use in the future.

Don’ts in Preparing for Your Home Inspection

• Stay when the buyer and inspector arrive. We know it is your home; however, it can bother the buyer as they might feel uncomfortable spending so much time in someone else’s home. This time is for them to learn about the house, see how it functions and flows, and give them much more time to fall in love with it. If you decide to stay, don’t try to rush the inspection, and be prepared to play 20 questions with the inspector. We’ll use this opportunity to our advantage.
• Leave your undergarments hanging on doorknobs! This creates a problem for us as we open and close every door.
• Please don’t assume we know all the ins and outs of your home. Leave us notes that will help us avoid inadvertently damaging your items or turning off switches to your technology. We always look on the kitchen counter to see if there are any special instructions.
• Leave a messy home. We have had buyers back out of a purchase contract because of how the house was presented for inspection. In one case, only small items needed to be addressed from the inspection. Shortly after the inspection, this couple canceled their contract.
• Have ultra-personal items in the bathroom. We open all attached kitchen and bathroom drawers and cabinets. If you can’t remove them from home, put them in a nightstand or dresser.
• And lastly, don’t worry about your home during the inspection process. We are licensed and bonded. In addition, we are never alone in the house – the realtor and buyer are by our side.

Integrity Home Evaluation Services is Here to Help

Questions? Call us! We are located in Streetsboro. In addition, we serve  Akron, Aurora, Brecksville, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Kent, Medina, Solon, Stow, and Twinsburg. We work in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties. We are an authoritative resource for home inspections. You can depend on our high-quality home inspection; please get in touch with us and learn more about how we can help you.