29 ways to prepare for the home inspection

Article submitted by the National Association of Home Inspectors Inc.

The list below may be helpful in helping sellers prepare for a home inspection. Many of these items can be done with little or no cost and many are regular maintenance item for a home.

1. Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Six or more inches of clearance is preferred.
2. Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
3. Divert all water away from the house i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drains, etc. Grade should slope away from the structure. Clean out basement entry drains.
4. Trim trees, roots and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
5. Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around the trim, chimney, windows and doors.
6. Seal asphalt driveways, if cracking.
7. Seal or point up masonry chimney caps,. Install metal flue cap.
8. Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
9. Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
10. Test all smoke detectors to ensure they are in safe working condition.
11. Update attic ventilation if none is present.
12. Have the chimney, fireplace or woodstove cleaned, and provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.
13. Seal masonry walls in the basement.
14. Don't do quick cheap repairs. You may raise questions that will unfairly cause great concern to buyers and inspectors.
15. Ensure all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked windowpanes.
16. Ensure all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower and sinks) are in proper working condition. Check for and fix any leaks. Caulk around fixtures if necessary.
17. Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources. Test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
18. Check sump pump for proper operation.
19. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
20. Remove rotting wood and/or firewood from contact with the house.
21. Ensure proper grading is followed under a deck.
22. Install proper vapor barrier in crawlspaces.
23. Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
24. Check to ensure the crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary. Remove any visible moisture from a crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18 percent to deter rot and mildew.
25. Check that bath vents are properly vented and in working condition.
26. Remove paints, solvents, gas etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch etc.
27. If windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.
28. Have clear access to attic, crawlspace, heating system, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
29. If the house is vacant, make sure that all utilities are turned on,including water, electric, water heater, furnace, air conditioning and breaks in the main panel.