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Preparation

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Make sure that the property presents well. Don't leave dishes in the sink or oven and remove clothes from the washer and dryer. Be sure that debris and other items are picked up around the exterior, the attic and basement areas, or cars in the garage. Change all air filters prior to the inspection. Consider having something (water) for buyers to drink. Leave your phone number for the inspector in case they have any questions about the operation of your home.

Gather a file with receipts, contractor contact info, Maintenance schedules, and warranty paperwork, The past year’s utility bills (optional but can be helpful). “HELPFUL TIP” Review credit and bank card statements can help locate expenses and receipts. Having this documentation on hand for review will help show a potential buyer that your home has been well maintained and cared for. 

 

 

GENERAL

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___Make Sure that all utilities are turned on.

___Access is clear to the electrical panel, Attic space, basement, crawl space, and garage walls.

___Remove or put pets in a secure area. 

___Inquire with the local municipality to ensure that all permits are properly closed and all inspections have taken place (Don't assume that your contractor has taken care of this)

___If the property has had or currently has a fuel oil tank in the ground or on the property locate all of the documentation available to demonstrate proper removal has taken place.

More than likely the buyers will come to the inspectionGather a file with receipts, contractor contact info, Maintenance schedules, and warranty paperwork, The past year’s utility bills (optional but can be helpful). “HELPFUL TIP” Review credit and bank card statements can help locate expenses and receipts. Having this documentation on hand for review will help show a potential buyer that your home has been well maintained and cared for.  

 

Exterior

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___Make sure water drains away from the house by adding downspouts and splash blocks under gutters.

___Check for loose or damaged exterior components such as downspouts, siding, trim, and shutters.

___Check all penetrations into your home’s exterior such as gas service pipe, electric service conductors (wires), air conditioning refrigerant lines. Make sure these areas are sealed or caulked neatly.

___Fix any loose shingles or nail pops on the roof.

___Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent overflowing.

___Check wood trim joints for softness and caulk.

___Check all steps for loose bricks or wood and replace or secure them as needed.

___Check all handrails for looseness and secure as needed.

___If there is a deck check for weathering wood 

___Check for any fallen insulation or wood debris lying on the ground under a deck or in a crawl space.  This creates a conducive environment for termites. 

___Check hose faucets to ensure they're not loose or leaking. 

___Ensure that there are anti-siphon devices installed on the exterior hose faucets. 

 

Garage 

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___Check automatic reverse on garage doors. 

___Check garage foundation walls for termite tubes. (mud tubes on the wall).

___Move stored items away from the garage walls so that the inspector can view the foundation. 

___Check for damaged Sheetrock adjoining the living space to ensure proper fire rating. 

 

INTERIOR  

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___Check all windows for opening, closing and locking. 

___Check all windows to ensure that they stay up on their own.

___Check all windows for possible broken thermal seals/cracks.

___Check all windows for damage to the glass.

___Install all screens and check for damage. 

___Check all outlet covers for loose, damaged, or missing covers. 

___Check all doors for rubbing/sticking when opening and closing. Correct and adjust as needed. 

___Check walls and doors for holes from the door handle or from the door stop 

___Check ceiling fans on all 3 speeds for wobbling(Leave any fixture remotes) 

___Check and replace all burned out light bulbs. 

___Consider getting the carpet cleaned and re-stretched if needed.

___Check for and fix any holes/nail pops in walls/ceiling Kitchens and Bathrooms 

 

KITCHENS AND BATH

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___Fill all sink basins, check stopper hardware, drain, and look for leaks. 

___Check disposal and dishwasher 

___Check cabinets for and rubbing and ensure they are secure and open and close properly. 

___Check that all burners and elements work on the stove and Oven

___Check the oven for an anti-tip device 

___Check the counter and backsplash for any needed caulking. 

___Check for loose tiles, cracked tiles, and missing grout. 

___Check the toilet for cracks or loose/rocking toilets and tanks. 

___Check supply lines, toilet shuts off, to ensure they flush properly.

___Check for faucets to ensure proper hot and cold plumbing installation. (hot is on left, cold should be on the right.) 

___Check all faucets for water pressure. If the pressure is low, try cleaning our aerators/screens

___Check laundry connection for leaks 

___Check the water heater for leaks and corrosion.

 

ELECTRIC

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___Check breakers for tripped or missing breakers. 

___Check GFCI's and AFCI's to ensure that they respond and are present at all locations needed for safety. Kitchen countertop Bathrooms Laundry area unfinished basement areas all exterior areas.

___Make sure there are no items are using extension cords as a permanent source of power.

___Check your sump pump and make sure it activates.

 

Addressing the items above will help present your home better and help the home inspection process become a more positive experience for everyone. Addressing small repairs and maintenance items at your convenience will potentially save many dollars from premium repair bills when the repair deadline is shorter.

A more thorough pre-listing home inspection can be performed by Integrity Home Inspections of South Jersey. A pre-listing inspection will reduce the chances of surprise repairs and keep the leverage in your corner when it comes to repair negotiations. Integrity Home Inspection of South Jersey also offers walk through pre-listing consultations at a reduced price (Have your digital camera and notepad ready). 

 

Nick@Integrityhomeinspectionsj.com

www.Integrityhomeinspectionsj.com

(856) 449-8076

www.Integrityhomeinspectionsj.com

(856) 449-8076

Sellers Inspection Checklist

For use in preparation for your home inspection

 

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