Preparing Your Home For An Inspection
As a general rule, it is unwise to try to anticipate the results of a home inspection, or to make any last minute corrections. It might be a good idea to reattach missing gutter downspouts, reposition splash blocks, or replace missing electrical cover plates. Such detailed corrections may give the house a neater appearance, but are unlikely to effect major findings about drainage systems, electrical wiring, or the life expectancy of a roof system. Last minute corrections, such as the painting of a wall to cover water stains, or the use of caulking to reattach loose bathroom tiles, may provide the experienced inspector with additional clues to possible problems. Making the house accessible and easier to inspect is the best preparation. It will not change the material findings of the inspection, but could eliminate some unnecessary aggravations.
A Few Suggestions
Remove any furniture and stored material from access panels to crawl spaces, electrical panel boxes, furnaces and spa pump motors. You don't want the Buyer to see "Unable to Inspect" on the report and if the inspector can't access the area or item to inspect that is what will happen.
Overly friendly or unfriendly dogs can complicate the inspection process and are best kept away from the house during the inspection or else the Seller should be present to control.
A copy of building permits, construction contracts, septic and well service reports, a/c and heat service contracts or documents showing service rendered, utility bills and similar documents are helpful to an inspector.
Be Honest:
Texas and Arkansas REQUIRE that a Seller
disclose a home's defect. If for example, your basement or roof has
leaked, disclose that information! If
you have filed an insurance claim, disclose,
if you have a drainage problem outside, disclose.
If you have had repairs made that appear to have solved the problem,
disclose that you think the problem has been
solved.
Most inspectors will perform the inspection in the company of the prospective Buyer and it is recommended that your the Seller be absent from the house during the actual inspection, or remain in portions of the home not being inspected. This is the time for the Buyer to take another look at the house and discuss various items with assistance, and then provide full access to the house.
