From The Ground Up Inspections: Preparing Your Home for Inspection

Getting your home ready for market? Then you probably know there are quite a few bases you will want to cover when it comes to maintenance and preparation. But just what will should you focus on in preparing your home for inspection? At From the Ground Up Inspections, we are happy to help you understand exactly what you need to do in order to get top dollar for your home! Here is a helpful list of items to check - most of which can be done at little or no cost. You will always want to avoid quick cheap repairs that may raise questions that will cause undue concern. Still, many of the items listed below are regular maintenance items for a home.

INTERIOR

Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
Test all smoke detectors to ensure they are in safe working condition.
Update attic ventilation if none is present.
Have the chimney, fireplace or woodstove cleaned and provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.
Clean out basement entry drains.
Seal masonry walls in the basement.
Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked window panes.
Ensure that all hardware and accessories are present and in good condition, like door knobs, drawer pulls, hinges, etc.
Ensure that all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower, and sinks) are in proper working conditions. Check for and fix any leaks. Caulk around fixtures if necessary.
Install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles near all water sources. Test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
Check sump pump for proper operation.
Check that bath vents are properly vented and in working condition.

EXTERIOR

Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
Install window wells and covers at any windows below grade.
Ensure grade, mulch, and firewood are at least 6” from contact with the house.
Ensure that proper grading is followed under a deck.
Clean out dirty gutters and debris from the roof.
Divert all water away from the house - grade should slope away from the structure

Downspouts
Sump pump
Condensation drains

Trim trees, roots and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around the trim, chimney, windows and doors.
Seal asphalt driveways, if cracking.
Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal fluecap.
Ensure that the crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary.

Remove any visible moisture from the crawlspace.
Moisture levels in wood should be below 18% to deter rot and mildew.

GENERAL

Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc., from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
Have clear access to attic, crawlspace, heating system, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
If the house is vacant, make sure that all utilities are turned on, including water, electric, water heater, furnace, air conditioner, breakers in the main panel, and pilot lights.
Replace any burned out light bulbs.

It may seem like common sense, but it bears mentioning: you will always want to make sure your inspector has easy access to everything they need to examine. Clearing clutter, general cleaning, and remoal of pets are all key to allowing your home inspection to go as smoothly and successfully as possible.

Want to learn more about a pre-sale home inspection? Contact From the Ground Up Inspections for all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs. To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, call (615) 351-1922.

For special offers click here: http://www.homeinspectionsmurfreesb orotn.com/

From The Ground Up Inspections

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Preparing Your Home for Inspection

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