Seller's Pre-List Inspection

When you are in the early stages of planning to sell your home, you can save hassles later if you conduct an objective review of your home as the buyer's home inspector will do. Here is a list of some items inspectors evaluate. If your review indicates a needed repair or an opinion/repair by a professional, it is a good idea to do this before you list your home. Then save your receipts as proof to buyers that the work was performed.

Roof, Gutters, Downspouts, Siding:
• Replace missing or curled shingles.
• Replace/repair loose or damaged siding and trim boards. Paint as needed.
• If roofing material is at or near the end of its useful life, consider having it replaced. Get an opinion from a reputable, qualified roofer.
• Have a professional check chimney, flashing, the boots to exhaust pipes, ridge vents, attic or exhaust vents (for bird or insect nests), and nail pops on shingles.
• Make sure gutters and downspout straps are secure and holding the items in place. Gutters should be cleaned of debris and properly sloped for good drainage.
• Downspouts should be seated down inside the ground level drain pipe, to prevent spill over of rain water … a major cause of moisture seeping into the basement walls.

Other Exterior Items:
• Check caulking around the pipes to the gas meter, air conditioner and sump pump output drains. Also, check condition of the insulating material around the wiring to the air conditioner. Replace as necessary.
• Repair any loose railings, uneven steps or deck boards.
• If deck or wood porch is severely weathered or rough, consider sanding and staining/painting.
• Make sure ground next to the home is sloped away from the foundation, and not sunken toward the foundation. Rework the soil or add soil to alleviate a negative slope.
• Repair sunken asphalt or concrete driveways. Seal asphalt drives.
• Check outside faucets for leaks.

All Interior rooms:
• Sweep out upper reaches of furnace vents. Clean registers both in the floor as well as those covering the return air ducts.
• Have fireplace chimney flue examined and cleaned. Have professional check gas fireplaces for gas leaks and proper working condition.

Windows:
• If any windows are “fogged” this is an indication of a broken seal. These must be repaired by a professional.
• Repair or replace damaged or missing caulk, both inside and outside.
• Windows should move freely up and down, and should be able to stay in an ‘up’ position. Have them repaired if they don’t.
• Check wood windows and sills for water damage. Repair/replace damaged wood and repaint.
• Repair damaged screens.

Kitchen:
• Unclog drains so water drains quickly.
• No leaks should exist around faucets, pipes, or connections in the sink, dishwasher or icemaker.
• All caulking around sink and counters should be in good condition and provide a complete seal.
• If any appliances are not working properly, and they are to stay with the home, have them repaired or consider replacing them. Otherwise, plan to disclose to potential buyers that the appliance doesn’t work properly.

Bathrooms:
• Unclog drains so water drains quickly.
• Make sure drain stopper holds water in the basin.
• No leaks should exist around faucets, pipes, or connections in the basins, tub, shower or toilet.
• All caulking should be in good condition and provide a complete seal.
• Clean dust from exhaust fans. Fans should work properly and be fairly quiet.

Basement:
• Replace damaged insulation. Monitor for evidence of rodent damage and seal openings.
• Caulk wall and floor cracks. Consider painting walls with water-deterrent paint.
• Make sure sump pump is working properly, and that the water level is not so high as to prevent proper drainage of incoming water pipe. If pump is old and not in good condition, replace it.
• If there are any signs of water intrusion or structural issues, have them inspected by a professional. Any issues will need to be disclosed to buyers.
• Have furnace, air conditioner and water heater serviced by a professional.
• The presence of mold has become a serious issue in the past couple years. Its presence can prevent a homeowner insurance company from insuring the home. Have a professional check out signs of existing mold and have it mitigated if required.