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Will your home FAIL a Home Inspection??


People commonly ask what is the best way to ensure my home passes a home inspection. The simple answer is that no home "passes" or "fails" an inspection. The reason is simple - no home is perfect. The best thing you can do to make sure your home inspection goes smoothly, is to address all of the minor issues by doing a walk through and around your home. Many of the most common defects or conditions that we find during a home inspection are relatively minor. It is often much easier and less expensive to fix a few of the small items around your home before the inspection begins.

By following these tips, you will not only help your inspection go smoothly, but your home will be in the best condition possible to show to prospective buyers.

 Lighting

One of the first things to do as you prepare your home for inspection or showing is to make sure all the lighting in the home is working properly. Light bulbs are inexpensive and having them all working will benefit you in a few ways. First of all, a bright home will show better. Rooms will appear more open and welcoming.

 Also, as the inspector walks through your home, it is important to ensure that she is able to see what is to be inspected. By examining your home to make sure that all light bulbs are working, you allow the inspector to have clear visual access to all areas of the home. 

When checking for burned out light bulbs also be sure to scrutinize uncommon areas such as basements, closets and utility rooms. Also check attic spaces for light bulbs, as this will make the inspection go just a bit more smoothly.

 Create access
To perform a home inspection correctly, the inspector will need access to all areas of your home. As homeowners we tend to forget about accessing certain areas of the home, and often pile or pack things in front of electric panels, water meters and other mechanical components of a home. A home inspection is meant to be a non-invasive inspection of your home. Most home inspectors will only move a minimal amount of personal belongings to access areas to be inspected. Making sure the inspector will have easy access to all areas of the home is vital to a complete inspection.

Here are some key areas to make sure the Inspector has access to, and small "fixes" that can help your inspection go smoothly:

Furnace/Boiler
  • Ensure doors are not blocked
  • Ensure access around furnace/boiler/water heater
  • Make sure filter is installed and clean
  • Vacuum around furnace/boiler
 Before
After


 Water Heater
  • Make sure there is access around water heater
  • Look for any obvious signs of leakage and have repaired
  • Check temperature setting. Make sure it is at a safe level (>120)



 Water Meter
  • Make sure there is adequate access to the meter

Electrical panel (also Sub-panels)
  • Make sure the panel is accessible to the inspector
  • Make sure the breakers/fuses are  properly labeled
  • Make sure any sub-panel (in garage or outbuilding) is also accessible 


 Electric Meter
  • Locate the meter outside and ensure it is accessible to the inspector
Gas Meter
  • Locate the meter outside and ensure it is accessible to the inspector. Trim any grass/bushes around the meter
Lawn Sprinkler control
  • If your home has a functioning lawn sprinkler, make sure the control panel is accessible and not blocked
  • Run the system and replace or adjust any sprinkler heads that need to be repaired
Attic
  • Make sure the attic access can be used. 
  • Empty closets with access to the attic
(notice how much would have to be moved to access the attic here!)

 Gutters
  • Make sure the gutters are clean!
  • All downspouts should discharge the water at LEAST 3 FEET from the home
Windows
  • Make sure windows open and close smoothly
  • Clean all window tracks for cleanliness
  • Make sure all window locks function
Doors
  • Make sure doors close and latch properly
  • Make sure door seals are working properly
  • Tighten loose locks/handles
Most of these repairs or small fixes will take a minimal amount of time and money, but will benefit you greatly when you are selling your home. If you are looking for even more ways to tidy up your home before you sell, check out our other blog articles on home repairs.




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