When you are preparing to sell your home, a professional home inspection can help. The inspector will give you a thorough report on your home’s condition, so you’ll know what needs to be done to get it ready to sell.
You can do your own pre-inspection first. Have a notebook in hand and walk through the interior of your home and also around the outside of your home. Write down anything you notice that may need attention. Your inspector can help you determine which items should be fixed. Also, make a list of any other questions to ask your inspector.
For now we’ll focus on the inside of your home, specifically the kitchen. Then we’ll look at the attic and garage.
* Test the drainage of the kitchen sink.
* Look for faucet leaks and leaks under the sink.
* Do all the cabinet doors and drawers open and close properly? Check for loose hinges or sticking drawer slides.
* Turn on the disposer if there is one. Listen for signs of obstructions or problems with the motor.
* Turn on each stove burner to be sure they turn on quickly and properly. Watch for unwanted sparking or bursts of flame. Gas stoves should have an even blue flame.
* Check the gasket on the oven door for signs of wear and tear.
* If you have a gas broiler, turn it on to be sure it lights properly.
* Locate the gas shutoff valve. Make sure it is working properly. You should be able to turn it until it is completely perpendicular to the pipe.
* Next open the dishwasher. Spin and lift the washer arm by hand to make sure it is not stuck. Be sure the drain hose is properly attached. It should arc up to prevent backwash from the drain into the dishwasher.
* Look under and around the dishwasher for signs of any leaking.
* Be sure water filters have been changed recently.
* Check the floor for popped nails, loose boards, loose tiles, and springy spots
* Look at ceilings for stains, which could indicate a leak above.
* Check walls for popped screws and nails on drywall. Are there new cracks in the walls?
* Check around any ceiling fans to be sure they are well-secured to the ceiling. They could be working their way loose with all the use they get during the summer months.
As for the attic and garage here are some items for your inspection checklist:
* Look around the attic space during daylight hours with the lights turned off. Look for any holes in the roofing that let light in.
* Keep an eye out for signs of animal activity or entry points for animals in the attic. This can include animal droppings or signs of disturbance in the insulation or any items stored in the attic.
* Check around roof vents for gaps. Look at attic fan motors for frayed wiring or loose screws.
* Examine the joists and rafters for any structural damage. Look at vents that run through the attic and see if any supports were cut to allow room for the vents.
* Check the action of the garage door. Look for dents in the tracks or cracks in the door. Test to see if the automatic door unit has an safety stop for obstructions and if it is working properly.
* Make sure tool storage and hanging rakes and shovels do not pose a hazard where they could fall on someone or cause them to trip.
Familiarize yourself with the current condition of your house inside and out. This will help you when working with your home inspector and make your house more appealing to prospective buyers.