According to property inspectors, there are up to 100 physical items that come under scrutiny during a property inspection.
Whether you own an older property or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a property inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these items could cost you dearly in terms of a sale that fails to complete!
This list will give you a good idea of just some of the things a property owner can do to pass this Inspection.
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Tighten all squeaky hinges, loose door knobs and cabinetry hardware.
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Fix any leaky faucets or running toilets.
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Have your furnace and air conditioner serviced and be sure service personnel leave stickers with the dates serviced on the furnace.
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Make sure the humidifier and air cleaner are clean and operational.
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Check all wiring and disconnect any handyman work that may not meet codes. If you have knob & tube wiring (older properties) have an electrician replace it as property insurance is almost impossible for a new buyer to obtain.
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Replace burned out light bulbs. |
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If appliances are to be sold with the house, have all in operational condition.
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Be sure pilot lights lite for fireplace and furnace. |
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Remove any items blocking access to furnace, electrical panel, water heater, attic or crawl space and be sure all doors are unlocked including shed and garage or a key left out for access.
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The eavestroughs should be free of debris and downspouts should run away from the foundation. You may need to add extensions. Tree limbs should be at least ten feet away from your roof. Shrubs that are too close to the property can hide pests and hold moisture against exterior so remove or trim.
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Be sure you have operating smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level.
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Be sure there are storms or screens for all the windows if applicable. |
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Repair torn screens, cracked windows or those that have broken seals.
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Be sure the electrical outlets in the property work. |
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Have your fireplace chimney cleaned if wood fireplace.
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Be sure the electrical panel is labeled.
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You should caulk around windows or doors if needed.
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Skylights can be a major inspection problem. Do your's leak? Are there water stains? You should repair and paint. |
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Check ceilings. If you have had a plumbing or roofing problem repaired, be sure to paint the ceilings if they are damaged.
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Clean bathroom ceiling fans.
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Be sure water pressure is good.
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Have your septic tank pumped.
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Your well water should be tested.
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Look out for leaks! Your windows, roof or basement. Have them professionally repaired and obtain written documentation (especially if its a basement probem). Basement problems are best repaired from the outside by a professional.
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Be sure light fixtures and fans are in working condition.
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Does your garage door opener work properly?
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Do your interior and exterior doors close properly?
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Check for any wood that is in direct contact with soil, including fences and gates, for rot and replace. |
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Remove snow from porch, decks, driveway, walkways, patios and around the foundation so a complete report can be completed. A walkway to outside the building will assist the inspector and the photographer. |
This list is in no way all inclusive but it will adequately prepare you for your inspection.
Should the buyers wish to do a Property Inspection they will add a clause to their offer making it conditional on the inspection being satisfactory.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Joyce Byrne at 519-471-8888.