Preparing Your Home for a Home Inspection

Taking a proactive approach pays big time. A home does not pass or fail an inspection, but rather reveals the internal workings and deficiencies of the property. You can make the overall process better.

A home inspection is typically negotiated as a part of the offer process and performed after an offer/contract has been signed. Your offer/contract may be contingent on the home inspection and what is revealed. It is important to understand that a home does not pass or fail an inspection, but rather reveals the internal workings and deficiencies of the property. Any deficiencies or flaws that become revealed from an inspection are usually used by the buyer to renegotiate your final sale price.

If you are already aware of any major or minor deficiencies, it is always best to address them (if you can) prior to the inspection taking place. You may also wish to obtain several free estimates for such repairs to present the most reasonable one, should the need arise.

To help you prepare, below is an outline of what a home inspection report usually covers:

• Structural elements: walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors.
• Roof, attic, visible insulation
• Exterior features: siding and trim, landscaping and lawn, grading and drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, and outdoor lights.
• Foundation and basement
• Plumbing and electrical systems, type and condition of all pipes; electricity main panel and circuit breakers, grounding, outlets, fans and light fixtures.
• House-wide systems: water heaters, heating and air conditioning, air ducts, chimney, fireplace, and sprinklers.
• Garage slab, walls, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, receptacles, exterior, windows, and roof.
• Appliances: dishwasher, stove and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal, washer and drier, smoke detectors.

Taking a proactive approach pays big time. Here is a classic example. You know that your roof shingles require replacement. Given the luxury of time, you obtain 4 estimates ranging between $4K to $8K, as is often the case. When the final inspection takes place, you already have an estimate for the repairs in the amount of $4k. An estimate which you would have likely not received last minute, saving you money in the end.