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Preparing
a House For a Home Inspection |
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MANY
OF THESE ITEMS MAY BE TAKEN CARE OF WITH LITTLE OR NO COST. SOME
OF THESE ITEMS WILL INDICATE TO THE HOME INSPECTOR AND BUYER,
THAT THE HOUSE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED.
-
Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or
more inches of clearance.
- Clean
out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
- Divert
all water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation
drain, etc. Grade should
slope away from structure. Clean out basement entry drains.
- Trim
trees, roots and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and
chimney.
- Paint
all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys,
windows and doors.
- Seal
asphalt driveways if cracking.
- Seal
or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal fluecap.
- Clean
or replace HVAC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
- Point
up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
- Test
all smoke detectors.
- Update
attic ventilation if none is present.
- Clean
chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide a copy for buyer).
- Seal
masonry walls in basement.
- Don't
do quick cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs) this will clue
in an Inspector that amateur work has been done and will tend
to make him/ her look closer at the house.
- Get
all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including
any cracked windows.
- Put
all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working
condition. Look for any leaks.
- Install
GFCI receptacles near all water sources, test all present GFCI
receptacles for proper operation.
- Check
sump pump for proper operation.
- Replace
any burned out light bulbs.
- Remove
rotting wood, firewood from contact with house.
- Proper
grading recommended under deck
-
Install proper vapor barrier in crawlspace.
- Caulk
all exterior wall penetrations.
- Caulk
all tub / shower fixtures.
- Caulk
along tub / floor, tub / walls, tub / shower / glass doors.
- Remove
any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood
should be below 18%, to deter Tot and mildew. Check that crawlspace
is dry and install a proper vapor barrier.
- Check
that bath vents are properly vented.
- Remove
paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic,
porch, etc.
- Check
that toilets are secure to floor.
- Remove
clothes from washer and dryer if conveying
- Where
windows are at or below grade install window wells and covers.
- Remove
grade from contact with foundation vents.
- Have
clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, garage and
other areas that will need to be inspected.
- If
house is vacant be sure all utilities are turned on: Water / Electric
/ Water Heater / Furnace / Air Conditioning / Breakers in main
panel.
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