Housing Inspection Checklist: 5 Tips for Sellers

Housing Inspection Checklist: 5 Tips for Sellers

Are you finally selling your home?

When selling your home, it’s important to remember the details. A forgotten detail can mean a missed opportunity and a buyer who moves on. One of the details with the greatest potential to harm your sale is a less-than-perfect home inspection.

In this article, we share our housing inspection checklist to guide you through the home inspection checklist before finalizing your sales contract. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Declutter Your Home

A cluttered home creates a distraction for the inspector, who will be looking for things in need of attention and repair. Clutter can give the impression of untidiness or disorganization and can prevent them from seeing potential areas of concern.

The best practice for sellers is to organize the basement, closets, pantry, and other areas prior to an inspection. Areas with dangerous items such as ladders, tools, and chemicals should be removed, and all debris should be tidied up. 

2. Prepare a Game Plan for Repairs

In order to prepare a game plan for repairs after a home inspection, it is important to review the inspection report carefully and make a list of what needs to be fixed. Make sure to prioritize the repairs in order of importance and figure out which repairs need to get done first.

It’s also beneficial to set aside a budget to cover the cost of the repairs, taking into account the cost of the materials, labor, and inspection fees. Furthermore, it is imperative to create a timeline and work closely with the local authorities and contractors to get the repairs done in a timely manner. 

3. Ensure the House Is Fully Accessible

First, consider any alterations that may be needed to provide access, such as ramps or stair lifts. Second, check the condition of any existing handrails or guardrails to make sure they are secure and not deteriorating.

Third, make sure all areas of the house are free from clutter that could create safety hazards or obstruct access. Fourth, check and repair any electrical fixtures or wiring, such as light switches or wall sockets.

Finally, ensure that door frames, hallways, and other spaces are wide enough for a wheelchair or other mobility device if needed. 

4. Provide All Necessary Documents to the Inspector

Sellers should make sure to provide all necessary documents to the housing inspector prior to the start of the inspection. This can help facilitate a smooth process and ensure the inspection does not run too long.

To that end, sellers should supply the inspector with paperwork like clean home service warranties, prior inspection reports, any supporting documentation for repairs made, or fire safety certifications. 

5. Make Plans

Make plans for the housing inspection by creating a checklist of items to review with the inspector to ensure a successful transfer of ownership. Start with a list of any safety and emergency items that are important, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Check around the roof, the windows, and the foundation for any issues. Pay special attention to the roof and the foundation of older homes. Make sure the plumbing and electrical systems are functioning correctly and that all outlets have ground fault circuit interrupters. Try Cava Buys to help you with your home inspection.

Read More About Housing Inspection Checklist

Overall, this article provided readers with five key tips to address when getting ready to housing inspection checklist list for their home for sale, such as completing repairs, assessing potential issues, and cleaning thoroughly. 

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