What Things to Consider As A Homeowner Before House Inspection?

Are you looking for a home inspection? Probably you want to sell your property and need to prepare a disclosure report stating the current condition of your house.

It is obvious that the home inspection will be done by a professional and a licensed home inspector. But, before the home inspector arrives, there are certain things that you need to consider. Today’s blog focuses on what you, as a homeowner, should do to keep your home inspection-ready. You can also have a look on our blog on the importance of house inspection before selling a property.

House inspections in Melbourne can happen because of two reasons – one when you, as a seller carry out the inspection before selling to check that everything is intact and another when the buyer wants to check that it is safe to purchase the property. Whatever be the case, it is best to be thoroughly prepared when it comes to house inspections.

Tips on Getting Ready For Home Inspection

#1 Clean Your Property

This is something common as it is an on-going activity that every homeowner indulges in. Still, homeowners tend to overlook. Remember, home inspectors will carry some preconceived ideas about how a home is maintained. If they see a clean home, it gives the impression that you are taking care of your property. So, why take a risk of showing up an untidy property? Clean it thoroughly before the home inspection.

#2 Be Punctual

Never think that the home inspectors will not be there on time. If your appointment of the home inspection is at 9:00 am, make sure that your house is ready at least before half an hour. Generally, the home inspectors have a tendency to start with the outdoor inspection. So, make sure that your drapes are down until you get completely dressed. After all, you would not like to get surprised by seeing a stranger stomping around your backyard, right?

#3 Don’t Disconnect the Utilities

The home inspector will inspect everything – be it the stove, dishwasher, furnace or air conditioner. So it becomes essential to keep the utilities connected or else the inspector will not be able to check the grounding work or reverse polarity. If they find the utilities disconnected, they will reschedule the inspection, which can lead to a delay in closing the deal.

#4 Provide Workspace around Furnace and Water Heaters

If there is anything like boxes, furniture, bookcase blocking the access to the furnace, water heater or air conditioner, remove them in the first place. This is imperative as the home inspector will need sufficient space to inspect these things. They may not move things themselves, but may further suggest a buyer get a specialist who may find more things wrong. A specialist will know more than the general inspector when it comes to technicalities for a respective item like an air conditioner.

#5 Keep the Pilot Lights Ignited

Generally, while undertaking house inspections, the inspector refuses to light up the pilot lights as he does not carry enough insurance to be covered for that type of risk.  So, in case your pilot lights are not lit, the inspection of important items including the gas stove, water heater and furnace can be missed. This would ultimately result in delay from the buyer until those inspections are completed.

#6 Give Access to Garage and Attic

If you are not aware, the inspector will also check your basement, so it is necessary for you to keep the path clear. Make sure that there are no traces of water in the basement. Also, if you have stored the boxes and items in one corner, shift them a bit in a way that they are away from the walls by at least two feet. Remove the spider webs, if you find any. Check for all the possible rodent droppings and do not forget to secure your valuables, if any.

#7 Provide Keys for Outbuildings and Electrical Boxes

If your garage door is operated with a remote control or a key, leave it right there. Also, unlock the covers of your electrical box as well as the sprinkler system. If there is any exterior building, leave its key for the access. If you happen to collect multiple keys, best is to label them and place it on the kitchen table, making it easier for the inspector to use.

#8 Clear Your Driveway and Outdoor Space

This doesn’t mean you need to shovel a tunnel around your home. Act according to the weather and the condition of the backyard, driveway or your garden. In case of winters, as the snow forms a layer, keep the paths cleared and in summers, clear the dust and dead tree branches from your backyard. Last, move the trash cans away at the time of inspection.

#9 Give Repair Documents if any

If you have had remodelling projects in the past, make sure that the inspector gets all the invoices and documents related to it. Similarly, if you have installed a new dishwasher or have undergone a repair of a leaky faucet, it is best to get all the relevant paperwork. This will give the buyer peace of mind that those items were re-inspected.

#10 Try to be Away during the Inspection

Generally, a buyer accompanies the inspector during the house inspections in Melbourne. There are chances that he may feel uncomfortable to ask questions in front of you. It is recommended to schedule an inspection when you are away from the house.

Is Your Home Ready For Inspection?

So, do you think you have covered all the above-mentioned aspects? If not, pull up your socks and make sure that you do the needful before the home inspector visits your property for inspection. You can also go through some important do’s and don’ts for house inspections. After all, you wouldn’t want to delay your selling process, right?