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How to Prepare for a Home Inspection: Ultimate Checklist

By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE

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Buying your first home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime, and it’s important to ensure that the investment is a sound one. For first time home buyers, a professional home and landscape inspection is an essential part of the home buying process, as it can reveal any major issues or potential problems with the property. A home inspection is typically conducted by a certified home inspector and covers a thorough evaluation of the major systems and components of the home, including the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and structural elements.

Preparing for a home inspection can help homeowners and home buyers ensure that the inspection goes smoothly and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the property. In this article, we will provide a detailed checklist to help homeowners and home buyers prepare for a home inspection.

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Key Areas Your Inspector Will Check

A home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of the major systems and components of a home. Here are the key areas that a home inspector will check:

  • Exterior: The exterior of the home is the first thing that the inspector will check. The inspector will look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks in the foundation or siding, damage to the roof or chimney, and issues with the gutters and downspouts.
  • Attic: The attic is an important part of the home, as it provides a lot of information about the condition of the roof and insulation. The inspector will check for proper insulation, ventilation and signs of water damage or pest infestation.
  • Kitchen: The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, and the inspector will pay close attention to its condition. The inspector will check all appliances to ensure they are in working order, and will also check the condition of the cabinets, countertops and flooring.
  • Interior rooms: The inspector will evaluate each room in the home for any major issues or red flags. This includes checking for water damage, cracks in the walls or ceilings, and issues with windows or doors.
  • Bathrooms: Bathrooms are another key area of the home, and the inspector will evaluate them for any signs of water damage, leaks or plumbing issues.
  • Plumbing: The inspector will evaluate the plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures and drains for any leaks, damage or other issues.
  • Electrical: The inspector will check the electrical system, including outlets, light switches and the electrical panel for any safety issues or code violations.
  • Roof damage: The inspector will check the roof for any signs of damage or wear and tear, including missing or broken shingles.
  • Water damage: The inspector will check the home for any signs of water damage, including stains on the walls or ceilings, musty odors and warped or discolored flooring.

How a Pre-Inspection Can Help You Negotiate the Best Deal

One of the benefits of having a pre-inspection before selling your home is that it allows you to fix any issues that could affect the sale price. A pre-inspection will help you understand the condition of your property and the potential issues that a buyer’s inspector might find. By knowing these issues upfront, you can fix them or be prepared to negotiate on the sale price.

If you’re a buyer, a home inspection contingency can protect you in case there are any major issues with the property. If the inspection report reveals major problems, you can either negotiate with the seller to fix them or back out of the deal. A home inspection report can also give you peace of mind knowing that you are purchasing a property that is in good working order.

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection: Checklist

Now that you know what to expect during a home inspection and the benefits of having one, it’s time to start preparing your home for the inspection. Here’s a step-by-step checklist of what to do before a home inspection.

Step 1: Clean your house thoroughly

The first step in preparing for a home inspection is to clean your house thoroughly. A clean home will give the inspector easy access to all areas of the home, including closets, crawl spaces and outbuildings. A dirty home can also be a red flag for potential buyers, indicating that the home may not be well-maintained.

Start by decluttering your home, removing any items that are no longer needed. This will not only make your home look neater but also make it easier for the inspector to move around. Clean your home from top to bottom, including the floors, walls, windows and carpets. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, which tend to accumulate the most dirt and grime.

Checklist

  • Declutter all rooms
  • Dust all surfaces, including blinds and curtains
  • Vacuum and mop all floors
  • Clean all windows and mirrors
  • Clean kitchen appliances, including the oven, stove and refrigerator
  • Clean all bathroom fixtures, including the sink, toilet and bathtub

Step 2: Verify proper functioning of pre-inspection damages

Before the inspector arrives, check your home for any pre-inspection damages that may affect the inspection. These could include leaks, cracks, or damages to walls, ceilings or floors. Make sure that all the systems in your home, including the HVAC system, electrical systems and water heater are in good working order.

Checklist

  • Check for leaks or water damage in the attic, basement and crawl space
  • Test all faucets and toilets to make sure they are working correctly
  • Test all electrical outlets and light switches to ensure they are functioning correctly
  • Check the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are working correctly
  • Test all appliances, including the washer, dryer and dishwasher
  • Make sure all pilot lights are lit, including those for the furnace and water heater

Step 3: Have receipts accessible for inspector review

During the inspection, the inspector will want to see receipts for any recent repairs or upgrades you have made to the home. These could include receipts for a new roof, HVAC system or water heater. Make sure to gather these receipts and place them in an accessible location for the inspector to review.

Checklist

  • Gather receipts for any recent repairs or upgrades
  • Place the receipts in a visible and accessible location, such as on the kitchen counter or in a folder on the dining room table

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Step 4: Check all the appliances are operational and can be easily reached

Before the home inspection, it’s essential to ensure that all appliances are functioning properly and can be easily accessed by the inspector. Make a list of all the appliances in your home, including the oven, dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave. Check each appliance to ensure that it is working correctly. If there are any issues, such as a malfunctioning stove burner, consider repairing or replacing the appliance before the inspection.

Additionally, make sure that each appliance is easily accessible. The inspector will need to test the appliances, so ensure that there is enough clearance around them. If an appliance is not easily accessible, such as a refrigerator that is pushed up against a wall, move it to a more convenient location before the inspection. By ensuring that all appliances are functional and easily accessible, you can help the inspector complete their job thoroughly and efficiently.

Checklist

  • Check all appliances (oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.) to ensure they are working correctly.
  • If there are any issues, consider repairing or replacing the appliance before the inspection.
  • Ensure that there is enough clearance around each appliance for the inspector to test them.
  • Move any appliances that are not easily accessible to a more convenient location before the inspection.

Step 5: Take care of deferred maintenance

If there are any deferred maintenance issues that need to be addressed, take care of them before the inspection. This can include fixing leaky faucets, repairing cracked tiles or replacing broken window panes. These small repairs can make a big difference in the overall appearance and condition of your home.

Checklist

  • Replace burnt out light bulbs and ensure all fixtures are working properly.
  • Repair any leaky faucets or toilets.
  • Replace HVAC filters.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in working order.
  • Repair any holes or damage to walls, ceilings or floors.
  • Fix any broken or damaged windows or screens.
  • Check gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris.
  • Ensure that all electrical outlets are in working order and none of the electrical boxes are missing covers.

Step 6: Check your basic protection and security precautions

It’s important to ensure that your home is not only comfortable but also safe. Therefore, checking your basic protection and security precautions is crucial before a home inspection. This step involves making sure that all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working correctly. Test each alarm and replace any batteries if needed. Additionally, check your home’s doors and windows to ensure they lock properly. If any locks are damaged or broken, have them repaired before the inspection.

Another important part of basic protection and security precautions is to make sure that all the fire extinguishers are easily accessible and not expired. Check the expiration date on each fire extinguisher and replace any that are expired. Make sure that each fire extinguisher has a clear and easy-to-read label, and that it is mounted in a visible and accessible location.

Checklist

  • Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any batteries if needed.
  • Check all doors and windows to ensure they lock properly and have them repaired if necessary.
  • Ensure that all fire extinguishers are easily accessible, have not expired, have a clear and easy-to-read label and are mounted in a visible and accessible location.

Step 7: Vacuum your hidden areas

It’s important to vacuum hidden areas before the home inspection to prevent any unwanted surprises that may result in a lower home value or costly repairs. Dust, debris and pet hair can accumulate in areas that are out of sight, such as behind furniture, under appliances and inside air ducts. To ensure that your hidden areas are clean, start by moving all furniture and appliances away from walls and floors to expose any dirt or debris. Use a high-powered vacuum cleaner with attachments to reach into tight spaces and clean air ducts.

Checklist

  • Move furniture and appliances away from walls and floors
  • Vacuum behind and under all furniture and appliances
  • Clean air ducts and HVAC system
  • Vacuum corners and crevices in each room
  • Clean blinds and curtains
  • Vacuum or sweep underneath area rugs
  • Dust and clean baseboards and crown molding

Step 8: Review if your inspector can access all areas of the home

One crucial aspect of preparing for a home inspection is ensuring that the inspector can access all areas of the house. This includes areas that may be locked, such as crawl spaces, attics or basements. If the inspector is unable to access these areas, they will not be able to thoroughly evaluate the condition of your home, potentially leading to missed issues that could become costly repairs later on.

To prepare for this step, you should make sure that all doors to these areas are unlocked and that any obstructions, such as boxes or furniture, are moved out of the way. Additionally, if any keys or access codes are required to enter these areas, make sure that you provide them to the inspector beforehand. If you have any concerns about the safety of accessing these areas, discuss them with your inspector to ensure that they are able to do so safely.

Checklist

  • Ensure that all doors to crawl spaces, attics, basements and other areas are unlocked and easily accessible
  • Remove any obstructions that may prevent the inspector from accessing these areas
  • Provide any keys or access codes required to enter these areas to the inspector beforehand
  • Discuss any safety concerns about accessing these areas with your inspector

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How to Prepare for a Home Inspection: FAQs

How long does it take for a home inspection?

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The length of time it takes for a home inspection can vary depending on the size and condition of the home. Generally, a typical home inspection takes between two and four hours. However, larger homes or homes with more complex systems may take longer. It's important to allow enough time for the inspection to be thorough.

Who pays for a home inspection?

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Typically, the buyer pays for the home inspection process. However, in some cases, the seller may offer to pay for the inspection as a way to entice potential buyers or to show good faith in the sale.

Can the buyers attend the home inspection?

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Yes, buyers are usually encouraged to attend the home inspection. This allows them to ask questions and get a better understanding of any potential issues with the home. However, it's important to remember that the inspection is a professional evaluation, and buyers should not interfere or try to influence the inspector's findings.

What items does a home inspector not look at?

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A home inspector typically does not look at items that are not part of the home itself, such as appliances that are not built-in, swimming pools or outbuildings that are not connected to the main structure. In addition, inspectors may not look at issues that require special expertise, such as pest infestations or environmental hazards.

What are the last-minute items for a home inspection?

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In the days leading up to a home inspection, there are a few last-minute items that homeowners should take care of. These include ensuring that all light bulbs are working, cleaning the gutters and downspouts, testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and checking pilot lights on gas appliances. In addition, it's a good idea to declutter the home and ensure that all areas are easily accessible for the inspector.

How We Chose the Best Steps to Prepare for a Home Inspection

When choosing the best step to prepare for a home inspection checklist, we considered several factors. First, we looked at the importance of ensuring a thorough and accurate inspection. We also considered the ease of implementing each step and the potential impact on the sale price or negotiation process. Finally, we looked at the overall benefit to the homeowner or buyer in terms of peace of mind and potential cost savings.

Based on these factors, we determined that the most important step to prepare for a home inspection is to ensure that all major systems and appliances are in good working order. This includes checking the HVAC system, electrical systems, plumbing and appliances such as the water heater, washer and dryer. By ensuring that these systems are in good condition, homeowners and buyers can avoid major issues.

Summary on How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

After passing a home inspection and deciding to move to your new home, it is also important to have a moving checklist, including:

Victor Rosario

Víctor's research and writing have covered topics such as identity theft prevention, personal finances and parental control apps. He holds a B.A. in Hispanic Studies from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. He collects board games and vinyl records in his spare time.