What Does a Home Inspector Look For?

A couple months back, we mentioned a number of items that you can do to get your house ready for sale. So, you've been good enough to get the property under contract and a closing date has been scheduled. Now, if you can just pass the inspection without a number of concessions or issues to scramble to fix before closing.

Well, the following items reflect areas of your home that are typically looked at by a certified home inspector (ASHI®… American Society of Home Inspectors). In some instances, if not given proper attention prior to the inspection, they may become issues to be resolved as a result of the Inspection Condition of the contract and could potentially cost more in time and money. Take a minute to review this checklist. It would be wise to go ahead and make any necessary corrections now.

Add downspout extensions of 4” flexible tubing 5’ from the house to control basement seepage.

Maintain a positive grade of dirt approximately 3’ away from the foundation to direct water away from the house.

Check flashing around chimney, vent pipes and eves for leaks and caulk with roofing cement.

Clean all gutters and check alignment. Replace rusted out sections.

Power wash exterior siding and decks.

Clean masonry stoops and walks and paint handrails with rustoleum.

Caulk windows and door thresholds with a silicone/latex caulk.

Freshly paint the front door, windows, trim and shutter for curb appeal.

Put down fresh bark/rock and add flowers to brighten up the front yard.

Repair floor squeaks by screwing the sub-floor to the joist.

Have the furnace and air conditioning unit(s) serviced by a licensed contractor; check for gas leaks, heat exchanger problems… Get a written report.

Repair leaky faucets, loose toilets, plumbing leaks, and re-caulk the tub/shower with a silicone tub and tile caulk.

Clean ashes from the fireplace and check the firebrick for cracks and the condition of the flue and damper. Have a chimney sweep clean the area if there is more than 1/3” of creosote.

Patch cosmetic sheet rock cracks with spackling compound. Touch-up paint.

Check windows for proper operation.

In crawl spaces add 6 mil polyethylene over exposed dirt as a vapor barrier and radon gas deterrent.

Check all exhaust fans, whole house fans, ceiling fans and attic fans for operation.

These tips could save you a more costly "find" by the inspector or, worse yet, give your buyer a reason to delay closing or back out of the contract.

For more tips or to find a home inspector in your area there are three organizations that you might find helpful The American Society of Home Inspectors, The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors or The National Association of Home Inspectors.