How Sellers Prepare for a Home Inspection

Spot these common trouble spots and repair them.

Getting ready for a home inspection is one of the more nerve-wracking things about selling your home.  The good news is that you don’t have to wait until after the inspection to fix some of the most common trouble spots.

There are certain spots in a home that every inspector will check.  Focusing on these issues now is the best way to maximize your budget and your chance of a favorable inspection result.

1. Address Electrical Issues
   Electrical systems are always an area of focus during home inspections as old or damaged wiring can present a significant safety hazard. You can take care of some of the simple stuff like replacing broken switch plates and making sure that all light bulbs are working. It’s also a good idea to contact a trusted electrician for a full review of your electrical systems. Better to find and fix it now rather than learn about a problem on inspection day.
2. Freshen Your Fireplace
   A fireplace can be a major attraction to homebuyers as long as it’s clean, safe and well-maintained. Staying on top of fireplace maintenance is always a good idea because an inspector will check it thoroughly. In addition to cleaning up, make sure your fireplace meets all relevant safety codes.
3. Eliminate Mold and Mildew
   Mold and mildew in a home are enough to scare off most buyers before things even reach the stage of inspection. Scour bathrooms, basements, kitchens and anywhere else mold might develop. You can find specially formulated cleaning products to deal with mold at most hardware stores. If you have a serious mold problem, it’s worth calling in the pros to get the job done thoroughly.
4. Fix Roof and Basement Leaks
   If you do have mold or mildew issues in your home, there’s a good chance that leaks play a part. Roof and basement leaks are among the most common ways for water to enter the home and often cause significant damage before being detected. Have a professional contractor repair any leaks. It’s an absolute must if you’re preparing for inspection.
5. Check Your Plumbing
   Leaks don’t just come from the outside of the home and faulty plumbing is sure to draw the attention of any home inspector. Taking care of any leaks is the first priority, but it’s also a good idea to make sure that your water systems are functioning at their best. Check that water pressure is high, your water heater works properly.

Investing the time and resources to repair these problems now will save a lot of stress in the long run and will likely save you some money at closing time. Better yet, a positive inspection result puts you one step closer to turning your dreams of a home sale into a reality.