Have you recently sold your home and need to know how to prepare your home for an inspection? Here are some tips from our friends at Pillar to Post Home Inspections.

How to Prepare Your Home for an Inspection

From routine maintenance, to detecting conditions that could signify the need for major repairs, there are many simple steps a seller can take ahead of time to prepare their home for a home inspection. In addition, on the day of the inspection, attention to a few details can go a long way to ensure that everything goes smoothly. 

Disclosures

• Disclose past catastrophes such as fires or floods, or if the property was ever used as a marijuana grow house or meth lab
• Provide building permits and plans for any major renovations
• Disclose any work that was completed without the proper permits
• Provide invoices and warranties for major improvements, roofs, furnaces and appliances. 

Routine Maintenance – Exterior

• Repair damaged masonry on walkways and steps
• Seal any cracks in the driveway
• Repair any minor defects in exterior wall materials
• Recaulk around exterior windows and doors
• Replace damaged or missing shingles
• Recall around flashing
• Clean debris rom gutters and check downspouts for proper drainage

Routine Maintenance – Interior

• Repair leaky faucets and fixtures
• Recaulk around bathtubs and sinks
• Have an electrician inspect receptacles and switches and make any necessary repairs
• Repair any cracked or broken window glass and loosen any windows that are painted shut
• Arrange service for the furnace and central air conditioning
• Have the chimney swept
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and install detectors where missing

Before the Inspector Arrives

• Ensure all utilities are on in the house prior to the inspector’s arrival
• Provide access to components such as electrical panels, water meter and gas meter
• Allow access to storage sheds, attics, yards, crawlspaces, basement and garages
• Move objects from around the water heater, furnace and air conditioning to allow unimpeded access
• Moves boxes and storage items away from interior walls

On the Day of the Inspection

• Allow sufficient time for the inspection – the average Pillar to Post inspection takes between 2.5-3 hours
• Unlock or have the keys available for any locked doors
• Clear paths of snow or debris
• Keep pets in safe location out of the home or in a crate
• Tags will be left on important shut-off valves for identification for the new homeowners

For questions, call Pillar to Post at 317-663-3186 or visit www.Indyptp.com.