3 Things to Do Before the Home Inspector Comes
Larry Stamp is an inspector with Cameo Home Inspections, a local business that has been inspecting homes for over 20 years. He sat down with #GRGTalks to discuss the importance of home inspections and provided some tips for sellers to prepare for their inspection day. The outcome of the inspection can impact your decision to buy the house or negotiate the purchase price. Therefore, it's essential to prepare your home for inspection. Larry talked about some of the things sellers can do to help the home inspector come to the best conclusion for your home.
Clean and Declutter
Before the home inspector comes, it's important to clean and declutter your home. A clean and organized home presents a positive impression and shows that you take care of your home. A clutter-free home also makes it easier for the inspector to access different areas of your home and evaluate them properly. Therefore, clean your floors, countertops, and bathrooms, and make sure that all your belongings are neatly stored away.
The home inspector will also need access to various areas of your home in order to evaluate them properly. This includes the attic, crawl space, and electrical panel. Before the inspector arrives, make sure that these areas are accessible. Clear away any clutter that may be blocking access to these areas, and unlock any doors or gates that may be in the way.
Decluttering can also help you identify any issues that need to be addressed before the home inspection. For example, if you have a lot of clutter in your attic, it may be difficult for the inspector to evaluate the insulation and ventilation systems. By decluttering, you can identify any potential issues and address them before the inspection.
Make Repairs
Another important thing to do before the home inspector comes is to make any necessary repairs. This includes fixing leaky faucets, replacing burnt-out lightbulbs, and patching up any holes in the walls. Repairing these issues can make your home more presentable and eliminate any potential red flags for the inspector.
It's also a good idea to address any larger issues that may be present in your home. For example, if you know that your roof is in need of repair, it's better to fix it before the home inspection rather than wait for the inspector to find the issue. By addressing these issues beforehand, you can avoid any surprises during the inspection and have a smoother home-buying process.
Leave
It's also essential to leave the home so that the inspector can do their job. Homeowners should avoid following the inspector around the house, asking questions, or pointing out issues. Home inspectors are professionals who have a system for conducting inspections, so it's best to stay out of their way. You can always discuss any issues or concerns with the inspector after the inspection is complete.
Remember, there is no way you can change the outcome of a home inspection by bothering the inspector. A professional like Larry isn't interested in hearing about why things are the way they are in the house. They are merely attempting to tell the story of your home and what needs to be paid attention to.
Don't Panic...Just Pay Attention
In conclusion, preparing your home for a home inspection is crucial. By cleaning and decluttering your home, making necessary repairs, providing access to various areas of your home, leaving the home so that the inspector can do their job, and ensuring that all utilities are turned on, you can help ensure that the home inspection goes smoothly.
Chances are there will be an issue with your home that you will need to address in some form, so don't panic. Just be prepared to come to a solution with your buyer.