How to Prepare for a Home Inspection as a Seller

We’re going to cover affordable repairs you can make to your home as a seller to avoid a deal falling apart or prevent a price negotiation over a simple issue. This isn’t about quick fixes that hide the problem – our checklist makes sure you know with condition of your home and have sourced accurate quotes for any un-fixable problems you encounter.

Why does this matter?

Homes are selling fast right now – and prices have jumped sky high almost anywhere you look. As a result of this market, many buyers are stretching financially to get their hands on a home. This means they don’t have available cash reserves after buying a home to make major repairs. Buyers are looking for homes that don’t have a huge to-do list!

Follow along our checklist for how to prepare for a home inspection to get your home in solid condition and ready to fly off the market.

Windows

Windows have three components: the frame, the opener, and the glass. Fortunately, fixing each component separately is a lot less expensive than replacing an entire window.

the Frame

If your windows are older, they may have wooden frames – and there’s nothing wrong with that unless the paint is chipped or you’re missing caulking. These items are cheap to fix and can save you thousands in negotiation – even if you hire a professional.

The Opener

If the crank or sliders aren’t working well it’s almost always a lubrication issue. With windows that slide sideways, the plastic frame can rub against the track causing wear, or dirt and frit can get lodged – making it harder for the window to slide correctly.

The fix: Silicone lubricant spray is cheap and available at any hardware store. Spray the tracks and window edge, then wipe the excess off with a cloth. Then use spray a small amount into the crank handle and hardware.

the Glass

Most windows are now double-paned, meaning they’re composed of two sheets of glass with an air space in between them. When the seal between the panes has a leak, they can fog up inside. It’s worth contacting a window company to get a quote on replacing just one section of glass rather than the entire window.

Heating and Ventilation

The next biggie is heating and ventilation equipment. An old furnace or air conditioning unit can be in great working condition, so let’s prove that they are.

The Furnace

Your furnace is a filter that you should be changing at least every three months. Change it now! Switching out your filter demonstrates good maintenance habit and a dirty filter can lead to overheating and premature equipment failure. (Make sure you throw away the old filter and not just leave it lying around as proof you haven’t changed it in a while).

If your furnace is over 10 years old, we highly recommend that you have your furnace inspected and serviced. Leave the report and receipt on the table where buyers can see it or email a copy beforehand.

Air Conditioner

Older air conditioners can look terrible because they sit outside exposed to all weather conditions. Trim back grass or shrubbery growing around the unit and wipe off any grime you can.

If you’ve hired a technician to inspect your furnace also ask them to look at you’re A/C unit and level it up if it’s sitting crooked. You may have to get a few cheap patio stones for the job if needed.

Have Questions?

The selling process can be confusing and stressful, but we’re here to help!

Roof Shingles

Shingles typically last around 15 years despite manufacturers’ claims for a much longer lifetime. If your shingles are worn and the edges are curling up, then it’s time for a new roof.

This isn’t really a DIY item, but it can be a major factor in negotiations. If you can’t afford to replace the roofing or just don’t want the extra project before selling your home, then source a couple of quotes.

Option 1 would be to offer money back on closing paid to a roofer, option 2 would be to price the home accordingly and provide one of the quotes.

Septic Systems, Wells, and Pumps

This section may only apply to more rural homes, but it’s an important one if your property has any of the above because they are critical features to your home. Properly fixing or replacing these items can be expensive and time-consuming so there are a limited number of things you can do to improve their condition.

Pumps

A properly installed pump and sump pit are sealed to the floor with a removable plastic lid. This wasn’t common practice a decade ago, so if you’re handy you can make a lid from pressure-treated plywood that seals and will help keep humidity levels down.

Wells

If you live in the country, your property will have a well and pump. The water in a well is really cold. When you run a tap inside your home, that super cold water will create a lot of condensation as it travels through your plumbing and pressure tank.

This can result in excessive water on the floor around your tank and pump. If there’s drywall in that area getting repeatedly damp, it can be a breeding ground for mold – which is a huge deal killer. Make sure that area isn’t showing excessive signs of mold and is properly treated, then install a small fan to keep the air circulating in that area to help keep things dry.

Also check that the well cap is secure. A loose cap allows bugs to get trapped inside or long grasses to grow up under the cap then fall in and decompose. If you want to be super proactive, take a water sample to your municipal testing department and have a recent passing water test result to show prospective buyers.

Septic or Outhouse

There’s not much you can do to prepare your septic system for inspection as most of it is underground, However, you can demonstrate you’ve been looking after it by gathering maintenance receipts for the system.

Not many homes have outhouses, but if you’re selling your cottage a new coat of paint goes a long way on an old outhouse. Also make good use of exterior caulking as it seals out bugs, mice, and water.

Have any questions?