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PRE-SALE HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Stan A. Garnet, Director

We Teach House Institute

770-512-8228

ASHI and Code Certified Inspector

Selling Your Home? If you’re thinking about selling your home, make sure it’s ready. Many home sellers do not realize that some things they have learned to live with over the years can cost them money.

Avoid Costly Repairs. Keep in mind, buyers are encouraged to hire a professional home inspector as part of the purchase procedure. If a defect is found, most contracts require sellers to either repair or replace items—appliances, plumbing, septic systems, electrical and heating systems. Sometimes, a defect is an opportunity for a buyer to opt-out of a contract.

Consider Hiring A Professional Inspector. Generally, the report generated by a buyer’s home inspector tends to initiate the need to make costly repairs. This can be eliminated by doing some basic prep work prior to listing your home. You may even consider hiring a professional ASHI home inspector for a pre-sale home inspection before you list your home so there are no surprises.

First Impressions Count - Perception Is Everything! The exterior of your home provides the first impression. As a home inspector or a buyer walks up to the front door, they will be noticing everything in view. The exterior consists of the roof, walls, grading, gutters, downspouts, the driveway and walkways. How your home looks inside also contributes to opinions formed. Here are some things you can do—inside and outside—to get ready for a pre-sale home inspection:

Here are some things you can do to get ready for a pre-sale home inspection:

ROOF

1. Repair dry rot and damage around the soffits and facia.

2. Replace any damaged sections of the roof including missing flashing.

GUTTERS/DOWNSPOUTS

1. Clean all gutters and make sure they are secure.

2. Check all downspouts and connections at grade to make sure water is flowing away from the house.

3. Make sure all downspouts flow clearly.

EXTERIOR WALLS

1. Repair all damaged sections, seal all cracks and openings.

2. If the exterior is in need of paint, then have it painted.

GRADING/LANDSCAPING

1. Trim back all foliage and make sure there is 12 inches of clearance to the walls.

2. Keep the grass cut in the yard and remove all debris.

3. If you have vines growing up the walls, then remove them.

4. Lower the grade if it has been built up above the top of the slab or foundation wall. It needs to be 6-8 inches below the top of

a foundation wall and it needs to slope away from the wall.

5. Remove all debris and storage material from around the house. Clear the area around the perimeter of the house of ladders, toys,

and other clutter.

DRIVEWAY/WALKWAY

1. Remove all stains.

2. Seal all cracks and repair any major damage areas. Reset any walkway stones so they are not trip hazards.

3. Clear all trip hazards.

4. Secure all hand rails and guard rails.

FOUNDATION

1. Repair any settlement cracks that may be visible.

2. Seal all penetration holes.

3. If you have a crawl space, make sure the crawl vents are working.

WINDOWS

1. Repair all dry rot on the exterior panes, sills and sashes.

2. Replace all cracked and broken windows.

3. Replace any thermal pane glass that has lost its seal.

4. Make all windows operable and check that they form a tight seal when closed.

ELECTRICAL

1. Replace all burned out light bulbs.

2. Make sure all light switches are working.

3. Replace or repair any defective receptacles.

4. Add GFCI receptacles to the bathrooms, exterior, and the kitchen.

5. Remove all extension cords.

6. Confirm all fans work and they do not wobble.

PLUMBING

1. Make sure all toilets flush properly.

2. Replace any leaking washers.

3. Make sure the water pressure in the house is between 50 and 80 PSI.

4. Repair any leaks and or damage from leaks found.

5. If the water heater is leaking, then repair.

6. If the temperature and pressure relief valve on the water heater is not working, call a plumber to repair.

FIREPLACE

1. Clean out the hearth of all debris.

2. Have the flue vent serviced and cleaned.

3. Repair all defective mortar around brick stacks.

4. Make sure the damper and gas valve is working.

PESTS

1. Remove all hornet nests, spider webs, rodent droppings, mouse traps.

2. Seal any entry holes by rodents around the exterior and the roof area.

FLOORS

1. Tighten all loose carpeting.

2. Remove carpet stains.

3. Repair floor damages where visible.

4. Repair any water damaged areas around plumbing fixtures.

5. Tighten up any soft spots and shore up where you can so there is no bounce in the floor.

KITCHEN

1. Clean all appliances especially the inside of the oven. Make sure all are in working order.

2. Replace any missing component parts such as broken or damaged dials.

3. Organize and clean the inside of the under-sink cabinet.

HEATING/AIR

1. Make sure that all thermostats are working including batteries if they use them.

2. Change all filters.

3. Vacuum all debris out the interior of the unit. Clear any visible signs of rust.

4. Check flue vents to make sure they are all sealed and firmly connected.

5. Seal all freon line connections to the air system and make sure they are insulated.

INTERIOR (general)

1. Make sure all doorways, stairs and walkways are free of obstructions.

2. Check all doors so they are level, easy to open and close, and have good hardware.

3. Repair sheet rock where damaged.

4. Remove all stains on ceilings and walls.

5. Organize and clear all of your closets.

6. Remove all storage material from the garage and the attic space.