INSPECTION PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Primary items to help the inspection go smoothly.
Have a Clean House
It is important to treat the inspection like any other showing and have your home in the best condition possible.
The buyers will likely come to the inspection to view results so they will be evaluating the home much closer now that it is under contract.
Leave During the Inspection
We always recommend that sellers leave the home during the inspection. We know it can be an inconvenience to be away from your home for multiple hours, but an empty house allows the inspector to do his job properly.
Leave Appliances Available For Use
The inspector will run the dishwasher and turn on the stove, oven and microwave.
Please make sure these items are clear of any dishes and are accessible.
Give the inspector Time to work
Make sure the house is accessible during the requested time. Most inspections last about 4 hours and we recommend that sellers leave the property during the scheduled time.
Do not rush the inspector to finish early. It is possible that the inspection could last a little longer than expected if the inspector has to evaluate unforeseen items or is having trouble getting to other items in the house.
The inspector is hired by the buyer to evaluate the property. Inspectors rarely share any results with homeowners directly.
Provide access to all areas of the home
Make sure any obstructions are cleared and the inspector can easily access these items
All Attic Spaces
Basements Crawl Spaces
Electrical Panels
Irrigation Systems
Water Heater
Any Locked Gates
Garage door opener on wall of garage
Exterior water faucets
Interior and Exterior electrical outlets
Thermostats
Leave Remotes Available
Ceiling Fans
Electric outdoor screens
Remote controlled lighting
Pools that require remote operation for lighting, pumps, or temperature control
unlock all doors and gates
This includes attic doors, closet doors that could commonly be locked.
Make sure exterior gates are unlocked so that the inspector can access all sides of the home and yard.
Additional items you can do to help the report be as clean as possible.
Replace smoke detector batteries if needed
Replace light bulbs that are not working
Replace torn window screens
Clean windows and have glass looking as good as possible. We do not want a dirty window to be confused for a broke gas seal
Replace any broken fixtures
Repair any leaky faucets
Repair any slow drains
Clean out gutters
Trim back any branches or bushes that are touching the house
Repair any broken sprinkler heads
Leave a note on the sprinkler system control box notifying the inspector of any zones that have underground drip irrigation or zones that might appear to not work properly when tested. (i.e: deactivated zones, zones for flower pots with no spray heads, under ground drip irrigation, etc.)
Repair any damaged or rotten wood around the exterior of the house
Make sure all electrical outlets work properly
Things to remember as you prepare for the upcoming inspection.
Patience is important. The buyer pays for the inspection and receives the report. Your listing agent does not immediately get a copy of the report, and it can take an additional 2 to 3 days before we receive any results or requests from the buyer’s agent. Any negotiations for repairs has to happen within the termination option period, but the buyer is not required to immediately provide any results or details on the inspection report.
Don’t be scared if the inspector finds issues with your home. Having multiple items listed on an inspection report is common. Even a new construction home can have a 25 page inspection report. Just remember that your dedicated Hometiva agent is here to guide you through this part of the process, and we will overcome any issues that are found. We are also trained to understand which items can have an impact on the outcome of the sale, and which items are not necessary to address.
We will review any repair request provided by the buyer. We will work together to review any repair requests provided by the buyer and determine the appropriate way to respond .
Don’t be alarmed if multiple inspectors evaluate the home. It is possible that a buyer would like to inspect various parts of the house that require a different person to perform the work. The general inspector does look at the majority of items, but a buyer may choose to have a specialist look at the pool, HVAC, plumbing, roof or other items.
No two inspections are the same. Every home has a unique report, and this is why you hired Hometiva as your trusted listing advisor. We will work with you to get the most successful outcome possible and guide you through this important step of the process.
Don’t be nervous. You have worked hard to get your home ready for the market and we will overcome any issues that are outlined on the report.
Post Inspection Checklist
It is possible that an inspector does not leave all items the same as they were found, so we always recommend that sellers check the house thoroughly after the inspection. During the inspection, the inspector will make adjustments to items such as thermostats, sprinkler control boxes, pool equipment, window locks, light switches, faucets, appliances, toilets, etc.
list of items to check after the inspection.
HVAC thermostat to make sure the temperature settings are correct
Sprinkler System control box to make sure settings are correct
Window locks
Pool equipment control boxes and timer settings.
Water faucets and valves. The inspector will engage faucets at the sinks, tubs, washer & dryer, outdoor faucets and toilet handles so it is important to make sure no water is running after the inspector is finished.
Lighting throughout the house and attic
Gas fixtures such as stove tops and hot water heater
Garage doors
Exterior door locks. The inspector will open all doors to the home.
Kitchen appliances
Exterior gates