Tips for Home Inspection
Tips for seller on preparing your home for a buyers home inspection provided by WIN Home
Inspections.
House Exterior
• Remove soil or mulch from contactwith siding. Six or more inches ofclearance is best.
• Clean out dirty gutters and any debrisfrom the roof.
• Check to make sure all water fromdownspouts, sump pump, condensationand basement entry drains is divertedaway from the house.
• Trim trees, roots, and bushes back fromthe foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
• Paint weathered exterior wood andcaulk around the trim, chimney, windowsand doors.
• Repair any failing mortar in brick or block.
• Remove wood and/or firewood from anycontact with the house.
• Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
House Interior
• Clean or replace heating and coolingfilters, clean dirty air returns andplenum.
• Test all smoke detectors to ensure thatthey are working.
• Have the chimney, fireplace or woodstove serviced and provide the buyerwith a copy of the cleaning record.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Have clear access to attic, crawl space,heating system, garage and other areasthat will need to be inspected.
• If the house is vacant, make sure allutilities are turned on. This includeswater, electricity, furnace, A/C and the water heater because they will need tobe inspected.
• Ensure ready access to all rooms andcrawl spaces. Clear all furniture, boxes, clothes, toys and other personal itemsthat may block access to the furnace,water heater and electrical panel.
Basement, Crawl Spaces and Attics
• Check to ensure that the crawl space isdry and install a proper vapor barrier ifnecessary.
• Remove paints, solvents, gas, woodand similar materials from crawl space,basement, attic and porch.
• Update attic ventilation if none ispresent.
• If windows are at or below grade, installwindow wells and covers.
Doors and Windows
• Ensure that all doors and windows arein proper operating condition, includingrepairing or replacing any crackedwindowpanes.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
• Ensure that all plumbing fixtures such asthe toilet, tub, shower, and sinks are inproper working condition. Fix any leaksand caulk around fixtures if necessary.
• Ensure GFCI receptacles are functional.
• Check bath vents to see if they areproperly vented and in workingcondition.
• Clear out areas under sinks so they canbe inspected.
2741 NE Red Oak Dr. Bend, or 97701
email:wpalmer@wini.com• CCB #153984
