In the home selling process, buyers may hire a professional home inspector to ensure the condition of the home they are buying. If the home does not pass inspection, the sale might be cancelled or at least put on hold until the necessary repairs are made. The seller can speed up this process by checking their home for commonly occurring problems before the home is under contract.
Wiring. Be sure there's no exposed wiring around your home or in the attic. Use junction boxes to insulate the wires that lead nowhere, and be sure to cap the ends of each wire. Most miscellaneous wiring issues are easy to fix, but notorious for causing a great home to fail inspection.
Roofing. Check for missing tiles or shingles. These could lead to leaks and other problems. If you have a chimney make sure it is also watertight. Clear gutters and drain pipes to mae sure they are working properly and do not have any leaks. This is particularly important in Florida due to all the rain we receive.
Plumbing, Fix any leaks and check water pressure. This can be done by simply turning on faucets in multiple rooms. Clogging and rusting pipes can also be a problem. If water is discolored it can indicate rusting pipes. Caulk around the tub/shower enclosures and around the base of toilets.
Insulation. Improper insulation can cause a variety of problems including a damp attic. A damp attic can lead to mold and mildew as well as structural damage. All red flags to inspectors and buyers.
Heating and Cooling. Make sure the air conditioning unit and heating system is working properly. Change your air filter if it’s old or dirty.
Wood. Check the wood both inside and outside of the home. Replace any rotting wood with new wood. This can includes fences, porches, frames and trim. Do not just paint over rotting wood. A professional inspector will be able to spot it immediately.
Safety. Replace any broken or questionable locks or dead bolts. Checks doors as well as windows. Make sure smoke detectors are up-to-date and replace the batteries.
It is important to check your contract to see what you as the seller are required to cover. Contact a RE/MAX Exclusive Collection team member with any questions you have to prepare your home for inspection.