You’ve accepted an offer on your home, signed the paperwork, and are so close to finalizing the sale of your home. A satisfactory home inspection is typically one of the last hurdles in the process. Not taking the time to ensure a smooth home inspection could cost you. Our team has helped hundreds of Tuscaloosa families prepare for their home inspections, and here’s what we’ve learned:
- Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding leaving six or more inches of clearance.
- Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
- Divert all water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc. Clean out basement entry drains.
- Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and chimney.
- Paint all weathered exterior wood.
- Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
- Test all smoke detectors.
- Get all windows and doors in proper operating condition. Put all plumbing fixtures including the toilet, tub, shower, and sinks in proper working condition. Look for any leaks.
- Install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles near all water sources, and test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
- Replace any burned out light bulbs.
- Remove rotting wood and firewood from contact with house.
- Install proper vapor barrier in crawlspace if moisture is present, and remove any visible moisture.
- Caulk all tub/shower fixtures, along tub/floor, tub/walls, and tub/shower/glass doors.
- Check that toilets are secure to the floor.
- Replace rotten wood on exterior door trim, fascia boards, or exterior siding.
- Have clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, garage, and other areas that will need to be inspected.
- If the house is vacant, be sure all utilities are turned on: water, electric, water heater, furnace/air conditioning, breakers in main panel.