How to Prepare for a Home Inspection: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Are you a Lincoln homeowner preparing to put your house on the market? If so, you need to learn how to prepare for a home inspection. A thorough inspection can make or break your sale, and Murray Inspection Services can help you through every stage of the process, from pre-inspection preparation to a successful closing. Learn essential tips, checklists, and common mistakes to avoid for a successful home inspection. 

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a visual check of a property's overall condition. It covers everything from the roof to the foundation and everything in between. This inspection gives buyers and sellers important information about the property. Buyers learn about potential problems before they buy, while sellers can fix issues before they list their homes.

Why Should You Care About Home Inspections?

Home inspections benefit both buyers and sellers in the Lincoln area.

For buyers, a home inspection helps you:

• Discover hidden problems

• Make informed decisions

• Negotiate repairs or price

For sellers, a home inspection helps you:

• Sell your home faster

• Get higher offers

• Build buyer trust

• Avoid last-minute negotiations

Who Performs a Home Inspection?

Certified home inspectors, like those at Murray Inspection Services, examine your property. They check the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, heating, cooling, and more. You receive a detailed report showing what's good and what needs attention.

How to Get Your Home Inspection-Ready

Preparing your home for a successful inspection is easier than you think. Follow these practical steps:

General Preparation

Start by cleaning and decluttering your home. Clear off countertops, tidy up floors, and make sure the inspector can easily access all areas, including the attic, crawl spaces, and utility rooms. Remember, a clean home signals a well-maintained home.

Next, move any furniture blocking access to walls, windows, or vents. Unlock doors and panels that are normally locked. If you have pets, arrange for them to stay elsewhere during the inspection to minimize distractions.

Lastly, gather important documents like appliance manuals, warranties, permits, and maintenance records. These provide valuable information about your home's history and can help answer any questions the inspector may have.

Inside Your Home

In the kitchen, check that all appliances work. Clean the stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Replace any burnt-out light bulbs throughout the house.

In the bathrooms, ensure all faucets, showers, and toilets work properly. Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets and fix any you find.

Test all outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Make sure they're working correctly.

Check your heating and cooling systems. Change the air filters, test the thermostats, and clear any obstructions from the vents.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're in working order. Make sure your fire extinguishers are easily accessible.

Outside Your Home

Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and clear out any debris from the gutters. Trim back any tree branches that are hanging over the roof.

Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and clear any clutter from around your house.

Examine the exterior of your home for cracks in the foundation, damaged siding, or signs of leaks. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the house and check that the ground slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Home Inspection Preparation

Even with the best intentions, homeowners sometimes make mistakes that complicate home inspection. Let's look at some common missteps and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Small Repairs

That leaky faucet or sticky door might seem minor, but inspectors notice these things. Small problems can make them wonder if the home has been well-maintained. Fixing these minor issues shows you care about your home's condition.

2. Trying to Hide Problems

Inspectors are trained to find problems, so don't try to hide anything. Being upfront about known issues builds trust and prevents surprises later.

3. Overlooking Safety Hazards

Safety should be your top priority. Address any safety concerns like loose railings, exposed wires, or broken smoke detectors before the inspection. This protects both you and potential buyers.

4. Forgetting Your Paperwork

Gather your maintenance records, warranties, and permits. These documents provide valuable information to the inspector and answer any questions they might have.

5. Skipping the Inspection

It's tempting to leave during the inspection, but it's a good idea to stay.  You can answer questions, clarify concerns, and learn more about your home's condition from the inspector.

What to Do During the Home Inspection

Be Present

Even if you've had a pre-inspection with Murray Inspection Services, you must attend the official inspection. This allows you to ask questions in real-time, clarify any concerns, and learn firsthand about your home's condition.

Answer Questions Openly

The inspector might ask about your home's history, any repairs made, or known issues. Be honest and forthcoming; this helps the inspector understand the context and provide a more accurate assessment.

Let the Inspector Work

Give the inspector space to do their job thoroughly. Avoid interrupting unnecessarily, but feel free to ask questions as they arise or at the end of the inspection.

Take Notes

If the inspector points out issues, take notes or photos for your reference. This can help you understand the report and prioritize any repairs that might be needed.

Ask About Maintenance

If the inspector mentions maintenance tasks, ask for clarification or additional tips. This information can help you keep your home in good shape for years.

Make a Great First Impression

Take time to learn how to prepare for a home inspection. By addressing potential issues upfront, you create a positive impression on buyers and set the stage for a smooth transaction. Wondering how long a home inspection should take? Check out our blog covering this topic

We encourage you to use this guide as a resource and contact Murray Inspection Services for assistance with preparing for your home inspection. We're your local experts dedicated to making the home inspection process simple and stress-free.