Before you put your property up for sale, you might be worried about what repairs or updates need to be made. Maybe you already made a lot of progress over the years. Is it enough? Find out with this home inspection checklist and be ready to sell your property with confidence!
1. The Foundation
Foundation problems are one of the top reasons inspections can go awry. The cost to fix a crumbling or unstable foundation can be monumental that will spook potential buyers away quickly. That makes this top of the home inspection checklist!
Check the interior and exterior walls and floors for:
- Significant Cracks
- Damaged Bricks or Mortar
- Rust
- Rot or Decay (Wood Siding or Supports)
If you find a fissure or two, keep track of it to determine why it might have occurred. How big is it? Is there water coming in? Could it have been caused by poor drainage, tree roots, setting soil, or inadequate steel reinforcement? Try to address minor issues as best you can. Contact a specialist for anything that seems more alarming.
2. Have the HVAC System Serviced
The best plan of action is to get your HVAC serviced before the inspection. It is very common to run into issues, especially if the system is old. Get it updated and up to code. When the inspection comes around, you will have current paperwork ready.
3. Check the Attic
Some inspectors find long-term problems of pest intrusion or roof leaks just by taking a look into the attic. Don’t let this happen. Take a peek up there to address many issues at once!
Check for:
- Proper Insulation Levels – Make sure it’s 10-14 inches in height.
- Critter Droppings – Squirrels and mice love attic areas. Look for their remanence.
- Roof Issues – Look at the decking above. Any stains, mold, or dampness? If so, this could point to a present or past roofing problem.
- Ventilation Issues – Dampness in the attic can also be because of bad ventilation.
4. Check Into Your Electrical System
Take care of anything that is easy right away. This includes changing out old lightbulbs, covering up exposed lightbulbs/sockets, and labeling your fuse box. If you have experienced any flickering, buzzing, hot outlets, or know some of your outlets are not GFI certified that should be (outlets within 6 feet of a sink), it’s time to call an electrician to get you up to code.
5. Get the Roof Inspected & Cleaned
Hire a trusted company to do a roof inspection. Most of them will be for free and will give you an idea of what shape your roof is in. Get any minor issues taken care of, such as missing shingles or faulty vent caps. If your roof is fairly new, but has mold, get it pressure washed.
As a side note, if you’ve ever had a roof leak in the past and you have an old water spot, have the drywall repaired/replaced and painted. If it’s not a present problem, remove the possibility of an inspector flagging it and spooking the potential buyers.
6. Check Windows, Doors, and Cabinets
Test anything that can open and close. Secure all knobs and handles. Inspect for rot or decay. Replace broken screens, doors, or windows. Re-caulk anywhere that needs it. Get bonus points for lubricating creaky areas.
7. Evaluate the Plumbing
Don’t let clogs or leaks go unfixed before the inspection. Make sure your water flow is not too high or low. Test the sinks and toilets for proper draining.
If there was a previous leak, take care of the evidence. As stated with the roofing leak, if the problem is fixed, there’s no need for the inspector to unnecessarily flag the remanence and cause a stir.
8. Trim Close Hedges and Trees Over the Roof
Some inspectors will ding you for “conducive” problems that might cause roof damage or rodent intrusion. Take that possibility away by trimming back your trees so they aren’t even near your roof. Do the same to any overgrown hedges touching your house. You might be subject to wood destroying insect potential that will lead them to suggest a termite inspection.
NOTE: If there had been termite treatment in the past, there are permeant tells. You might need to get an updated inspection if it’s been a while, just to put worries at ease.
9. Check all Staying Appliances
Inspect your refrigerator for signs of leaking or water damage, as well as your dishwasher. Make sure your stove is properly functioning as well as it should be. If there is a problem with any appliance, have them serviced or replaced.
10. Get a Preemptive Inspection Before the Real Inspection
It’s truly difficult to eliminate every problem that could show up on the inspection report. Be ultimately prepared with an inspection before the inspection. This will be the ultimate test to make sure your home is up to standard. After that, hopefully you’ll have a much smaller home inspection checklist, if one at all!
Final Thoughts for Your Home Inspection Checklist
Selling your property can be stressful, but if you are well prepared, it shouldn’t have to be. Use this home inspection checklist, cross-reference with more research, get a preemptive home inspection and you’ll be golden! Best of luck!
After you ace all your home inspection to-dos, make sure you hire the right realtor to sell the property! Gregg Sutter has 45 years of combined experience as, not only a Real Estate agent, but a builder! He can see problems that other real estate agents miss. Having Gregg Sutter on your team is a win for everyone! Contact him today.
