How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

There are several steps to take before, during, and after the home inspection.

Being aware of these steps and the new rules around them for Spring 2021 can make the difference between a smooth process and a chaotic mess. In this article, we will discuss preparation for a home inspection and make sure your home inspection questions are answered

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an assessment of the home’s condition. Conducted by a licensed home inspector, an inspection will mostly focus on the home’s major components. This is done prior to closing on the home sale to assess any final changes in the property.

This is one of the final steps in the home selling process and often causes anxiety for unprepared sellers, especially during new 2021 restrictions.

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

Do your homework!

When preparing for a home inspection, make sure you do your research and gather any relevant information.

Did you recently remodel a bathroom? Or update the AC? Keep this information in mind and try to have any paperwork available. Any recent changes to the property should be detailed. Avoid making new changes to the property late in the process because big changes can delay the inspection.

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What are Home Inspectors Looking for?

Typical home inspections focus on the major components of the property such as the furnace, air conditioning, and bathrooms to determine if there are any immediate issues before selling. To do this, a home inspector will go out to your property in-person.

This includes:

Garages

Furnace & Air Conditioning

Patios

Exterior Doors

Walkways

Windows

Cabinets

Water & Sump Pumps

Light Fixtures & Cabling

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This is just a small example of what can be inspected.

You may want to contact the inspector ahead of time and request a list of what will be inspected or ask friends and family what their inspections were like. Their job is to look for any potential problems, from a dripping sink to a dead furnace, that may affect the value of the home. Your job is to do your research!

What Happens During a Home Inspection

A home inspection may take two to three hours. Within this inspection, a professional home inspector or team will test the major components of your home.

They may need your assistance with operating devices such as garage door openers, lighting fixtures, and furnaces, but most professional home inspectors will be prepared to assist you as much as possible.

Remember to ask any questions you may have. Now is your chance to get clarity on the inspection process as it is happening. A qualified home inspector will be happy to answer all of your questions and assure the process is clear.

New Home Inspection Rules in 2021

Feeling safe in your home is the most important part of an inspection.

With the current health crisis, be sure to check with your home inspector to make sure they are aware of your social distancing and masking requests. Be sure to research local guidelines for making sure you, your family, and the inspector stay safe and healthy during the inspection. In the interest of social distancing, you may want to schedule your inspection for a time when most of the members of the household won’t be home to provide extra space in the home.

Cleaning up before and after an inspection is also vital in keeping the home safe during and after the inspection.