- Plan to leave your home an hour before inspection
- Take pets with you
- Cause all utilities, systems and equipment to be on so that Buyer may complete all inspections.
- Leave keys for crawl space, attic, gates, outbuildings, and electrical boxes in a conspicuous area.
- Make sure valves to exterior spigots/faucets are open (not winterized).
- Leave remotes in for garage door, ceiling fans, lights, etc. in a conspicuous area.
- Turn on pilot light for gas-fired appliances, including water heater
- Remove laundry from washer and dryer
- Remove dishes from sink and dishwasher
- Leave a sketch identifying location of a well or septic tank in a conspicuous area.
- Leave paperwork for recent maintenance, repairs, or insurance claims in a conspicuous area.
A few honey do items homeowners can do to save themselves some headaches:
Electrical:
- Label circuits in electrical panel
- Test GFCI circuits/receptacles and repair as necessary
- Replace missing plates/covers on electrical boxes such as switches and receptacles.
- Replace burnt out light bulbs as needed.
- Replace/repair faulty or missing smoke and CO detectors.
Plumbing:
- Make sure all tubs and sinks are draining properly and clear drains with a snake or liquid plumber if necessary.
- Tighten loose equipment such as vales, shower heads, etc. and caulk as necessary.
- Toilets should be secured to floor and not wobbly.
- Leave instructions to indicate location of water shut off valves, if located an inconspicuous area.
HVAC:
- Change filters
- Provide invoice for recent service for inspector to see.
Exterior:
- Check to see that windows and doors are operational and make adjustments as necessary. It is common to find windows that are painted shut.
- Clean gutters and debris from roof. Gutter downspouts should have elbow, splash pan and/or flexible extension to get the water away from the home. Trim back vegetation at least 12 inches from home or structures.
Other:
Check garage door functionality and safety equipment and repair as necessary. Clean debris from sensors and align if necessary.