PREPARING FOR A HOME INSPECTION
Many of these items may be taken care of with little or no cost. Some of these items will indicate to the Home Inspector and Buyer, whether or not the house has been well maintained.
- Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding, preferably 6 or more inches of clearance.
- Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof. Ensure gutters are properly secured and draining.
- Divert all water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc. Grade should slope away from structure. Clean out exterior basement entry drains.
- Trim trees, roots and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and chimney.
- Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors.
- Seal asphalt driveways if cracking.
- Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal flue cap.
- Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
- Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
- Test all smoke detectors, and install CO detectors if needed.
- Update attic ventilation if inadequate, or if none is present.
- Clean & service chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide a copy for buyer).
- Seal masonry walls in basement if old stains are present.
- Don't do quick cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs) this will clue in an Inspector that amateur work has been done and will tend to make him/her look closer at the house.
- Put all windows and doors in proper operating condition, repair any cracked windows.
- Put all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for any visible leaks.
- Install GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas, test all present GFCI receptacles with a circuit tester for proper operation.
- Check sump pump for proper operation and inspect condition of crock (pit) and drain-tile if present.
- Replace any burned out light bulbs.
- Remove rotting wood, firewood from contact with house.
- Proper grading recommended under deck, sloping away from foundation, with filter cloth and gravel.
- Peroxide in sump pump or condensate drain will reduce odors and bacteria.
- Caulk or mortar all exterior wall penetrations.
- Caulk all tub/shower fixtures if needed.
- Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors if needed.
- Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier. Remove any visible trash, debris and moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 20%, to deter rot and mildew.
- Check that bath vents are properly vented to the exterior.
- Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
- Check that toilets are secure to floor. If loose, replace the wax seal and secure.
- Check that toilets are not cracked or continuously running.
- Where windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.
- Remove grade or mulch from contact with foundation vents. Install wells if necessary.
- Have clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, main elec. panel, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
- If house is vacant be sure all utilities are turned on:
• Water
• Electric
• Water Heater
• Furnace / Air Conditioning
• Breakers in main panel
- Be aware of product failures such as; EIFS (Synthetic Stucco), Aluminum Wiring, Polybutylene Pipe, FPE Panels, (Federal Pacific Stab-Lok), Omega Sprinkler Heads and FRT Plywood etc.
Consider having your house pre-inspected by Bay Country Building Specs
to reduce the chance of last minute surprises and expenses.
|
