Seller's Checklist
Over 95 Years of Combined Experience
Preparing your Home for a Home Inspection
A Checklist for Sellers to Ensure a Smooth Inspection
Go behind the scenes with Inspector Tim to see what we check during a typical home inspection
Clean and Declutter!
This is first and foremost! The more decluttered, the more the inspector can see and access during their inspection. Here are some top items to clean that can give sparkling results
- Empty storage from attic
- Clean/replace HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) filters
- Clean stove and oven
- Organize any closets that are access points to your attic or crawl space
- Clear space around the perimeter of your home’s exterior
Test! Test! Test!
The home inspector will inspect/test the following items so homeowners should also be sure to:
- Open and close garage doors, then test the reverse safety setting
- Confirm weather stripping on doors is intact
- Ensure that roof downspouts are properly diverting water away from the home
- Check that fan ducts are properly venting out of the attic
- Windows – open and close each and test locks and seals
- Flush all toilets and run all faucets
- Run any ceiling or bathroom fans
- Try all light switches
Check Safety and Security Items
- Test carbon monoxide detector
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors
- Exterminate bugs or rodents
Take Time to Repair
- Replace light bulbs
- Re-caulk around bathtubs, toilets and sinks
- Repair any water damage in bathrooms
- Remove any drain clogs
- Update any dingy grout
- Replace torn screens and cracked windows
- Repair/replace any missing roof material
- Replace damaged insulation in attic and crawl space
- Crawl space cover should be accessible
Make Improvements to the Exterior of the Home
- Remove debris off the roof (or pressure wash if needed)
- Trim trees that are near or hanging over the roof line or touch the house
- Clean out gutters
- Clear debris from around the exterior A/C compressor
- Slope soil away from the home for water runoff
What to do on the Day of Inspection…
- Plan to leave your home 30 minutes to 1 hour before the inspection and being gone for a minimum of 4 hours. A typical home inspection takes 3 hours, and after the inspection, the inspector usually meets with the buyers and their agent for about 30-45 minutes.
- If you plan to be present during the inspection, please allow the inspector the freedom to roam your home and plan to be in an area where they are not. Our inspectors make every attempt to stay out of your way to give you time to work or rest
- Take pets with you or have them kenneled in the home.
- Leave keys for gates, outbuildings, and electrical boxes
- Be sure the water heater is turned on
- Make sure all utilities are on
- Remove dishes from the sink and dishwasher
- Leave paperwork for any maintenance, repairs, or insurance claims.
Lastly…
- Provide access to the following: doors, attic entrances and attic HVAC (heating ventilation/air conditioning) units
- Move all stored items away from the garage perimeter walls so those areas can be inspected.
- If there’s anything on the list that’s above your DIY comfort level, consider calling in an expert.
Any questions on our protocol? Please give us a shout at 480-283-5642. We proudly serve the entire state of Arizona!
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