How to Prepare for a Home Inspection?

Preparing a home for an inspection is a vital part of the home inspection process

A properly prepared home will certainly lessen the stress of the inspection, for all parties, by ensuring the home inspection goes smoothly and that there are no additional fees charged by the home inspection company.
Below is a list of items a seller should address prior to the inspection.
This list may be rather useful for you in getting your house ready for a home buyer’s inspection. The majority of these items can be completed at little to no cost. They’re also a part of a regular maintenance plan for any home.
Pets

Ensure to secure or remove all pets from the premises. The inspector reserves the right to cancel inspection if pets are deemed unsafe. In that case, full fee for inspection will be due.

Utilities

Turn on all the utilities before the inspector arrives. Also, turn on the Electricity, Water, & Gas if applicable. Additional fees will apply if the inspector has to make an additional trip.

Exterior
All exterior doors are accessible.
Be sure all door locks are working properly.
Be sure keys are available for all locked doors.
Remove soil or mulch from contact with siding. Six or more inches of clearance is best.
Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from the foundation of the home.

On Mar. 7, 2023, My inspector Hunter conducted a full home inspection with radon testing, mold testing and thermal imaging. I was extremely impressed on how thorough he inspected the home; furthermore, he ability to articulate the findings to a unexperienced homebuyer is the reason for this post. Due to his diligence, I was able to avoid a poor home selection. His inspection detected composite panels that needed cut, seal and paint. He also discovered moisture in crawl space as well as rotten wood underneath the deck and around the external of the home. High elevation of aspergillus and penicillium was discovered due to Hunter’s guidance on the area of home to test for mold. While the home passed the common homebuyer eye test with flying colors, this experience is a testament why a thorough home inspection is warranted. I will be using AHI Residential & Commercial Inspections, Inc again for the next home search and specifically requesting Hunter as my inspector again! Review of AHI Residential and Commercial Inspections by Dominique Trapp

Interior

Be sure all doorways and closets are accessible. The inspector shall not move any furniture nor personal items.
Also ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked window panes.

Heating and Air Conditioning.

Clean or replace heating and cooling filters. Also, clean dirty air returns and plenum.
Have the chimney, fireplace or wood stove serviced and then provide the buyer with a copy of the cleaning record.

Electrical
Be sure the main electrical panel and any sub-panels are not blocked. (VERY COMMON)
Replace all burned out or missing light bulbs.
Replace all broken and missing receptacle and switch cover plates.
Ensure GFCI receptacles are functional.

Plumbing
Repair any known leaks and all malfunctioning components, i.e. loose faucet handles, inoperable sink stoppers and ventilation fans.
Be sure that there is easy access to the under sink plumbing at Kitchens as well as the Bathrooms.
Ensure that all plumbing fixtures such as the toilet, tub, shower, and sinks are in proper working condition.
Also check bath vents to see if they are in working condition and there are no blockage.
Clear out areas under sinks so that the inspectors can examine them.

Basement, Crawl Spaces and Attics

Remove all wood debris from the crawl space. (Very Common)
Also, remove belongings that may be blocking and/or preventing entry to the attic and or crawlspace. The inspector is not required to move furniture nor personal items.
Check to ensure that the crawl space is dry and then install a proper vapor barrier if necessary.
Check crawl space and attics for animals.