Checklist

Are you planning on scheduling a home inspection soon? You can use the following checklist to make sure you’re ready.

• Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding and crawl space vents. (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. Proper grading recommended under deck. (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, doors and any penetrations.

• Seal asphalt driveways if cracking.

• Clean or replace heating and ventilation filters. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.

• Test all smoke detectors or replace if they are older than 7 years. Also, install Carbon Monoxide detecors. (One detector per level.)

• 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.

• Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier covering all soils.

• Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors and fixtures.

• Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18%, to deter rot and mildew.

• Check that bath fans are properly vented to house exterior.

• Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.

• Check that toilets are secured to floor and caulked.

• 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

• 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.