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It is important that you prepare for the inspection to present your house well so that it sells for its best possible price in the shortest period of time.

Your best approach is to sell your home openly and honestly, adjusting your price to reflect its defects or repairing these defects prior to listing your home for sale.

Inexpensive Maintenance

• Clean gutters of debris and leaves, repair or replace cracked or broken gutters
• Divert water away from the house e.g. repair downpipes, grade slope away from the house and clean out basement entry drains
• Trim trees roots and bushes back from foundations, roof and walls so that they do not touch or overhang the house
• Paint all weathered exterior wood and seal around windows and doors
• Seal asphalt driveways if cracking
• Seal or point masonry
• Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block
• Test all smoke detectors
• Seal masonry walls in basement if old stains are present
• Repair all windows and doors so that they are operational
• Repair all plumbing fixtures, toilet, bath, shower, and sinks of any leaks
• Ensure that the sump pump is operational and inspect the condition of the pit
• Replace any burnt out light bulbs
• Remove rotting wood from contact with the house
• Properly grade under the deck
• Seal all exterior wall penetrations
• Grout along tub floor tub walls tub shower glass doors
• Check that the crawlspace is dry and well ventilated
• Check that vents are operational
• Remove paints, solvents, gas etc from the crawlspace
• Check that toilets are secure to the floor and not cracked
• Ensure clear access to the roof void, sub-floor crawlspace and garage

Check Major Systems

Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of money correcting problems in critical areas.

• Roof structure and covering
• Foundation and sub-floor crawlspace
• Air conditioning systems
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system

Other Improvements

• Apply new sealing and weather-stripping around windows and doors
• Regrade soil around the house to prevent water ponding next to foundations
• Have heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems professionally serviced
• Have chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected

Attention to Detail

• Repair leaky taps
• Tighten loose door knobs
• Replace damaged screens
• Replace broken panes of glass
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs and broken light fixtures
• Secure loose railings
• Patch small holes in walls and ceilings and repaint
• Repair or replace faded or peeling wallpaper
• Repair and coat the driveway

Safety Precautions

• Installing good quality smoke detectors
• Ensure safety switch compliance
• Ensure pool fencing compliance
• Ensure adequate outdoor lighting
• Keep stairwells and doorways tidy and free of debris and obstructions
• Keep flammables and combustibles away from utility areas
• Ensure that the garage door is operational

Cosmetic Improvements

• Keep the lawn mowed and the house tidy
• Clean the exterior walls and wash the windows
• Open the shades and curtains to create a bright inviting atmosphere
• Pay particular attention to cleanliness and comfort of kitchen and bathrooms

Prepare for Your Buyer's Inspection

It's a good idea to assemble in advance your various house records that can be used to answer questions from the purchaser and their inspector:

• Appliance receipts service records and warranties
• Information on the age of major components e.g. roof coverings air conditioning
• Major component warranties
• All certification records
• Heating, water, power, and rates bills for the past 12 months

Mould & Mildew

Mildew stains and odours scare buyers so you need to fix the source of the problem.

Damp Basements and Crawlspaces

Mildew odours signal that a basement is too moist. Buyers and home inspectors will look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew and signs of dampness. The inspector might use a meter to determine how much moisture is present in these spaces, because moisture deteriorates building materials and attracts timber pests.

Most foundation "leaks" are a result of poor drainage that funnels water towards the foundations. Make sure gutters are clean so that rainwater flows toward downpipes instead of spilling over gutters to pond around foundations.

Roofs and Chimneys

Deteriorated roof coverings are one of the first things home buyers and home inspectors notice. If the elements underneath the covering are moist or rotted, repairs will be requested. Make sure flashing around the base of the chimney is watertight, and that mortar and bricks are in good condition.

Plumbing Problems

Fix leaks long before the home inspection takes place. The inspector will check water pressure by turning on multiple faucets and flushing toilets at the same time. The inspector will also check showers for waterproofing by running them for about 10minutes with the drain covered.

Electrical Systems

The electrical panel and safety switches should be adequate for the needs of the house.

Other Important Home Inspection Checks

The home inspector will ensure that smoke detectors are in place.

Before the Home Inspection

Do everything you can to get the house in good condition before you attempt to sell it, but don't be discouraged if the inspection report contains a few negative statements. Home inspectors make note of everything they see.

Remember that the home inspection report is not a wish-list for buyers. Your contract may state that you are under no obligation to make any repairs at all--although the buyers can then likely withdraw from the contract. Don't feel you must comply with unreasonable demands for repairs.

Whether you're producing a seller's home inspection for the buyer or expecting the buyer's home inspector to show up on your doorsteps, it's best to be thoroughly prepared.

Clean the House

This sounds so simple yet home owners often overlook this tactic. A clean home may be an indication of how well you've cared for and maintained the house.

De-Clutter the House

So that the Inspector can effectively and efficiently conduct a thorough inspection he will need to be able to freely access all rooms where he will be able to inspect all walls and the floor. This means that you should minimise all obstructions including locked or inaccessible areas - move the car out of the garage, take the dog for a walk, ensure that no one is sleeping or occupying a room. Rooms should be de-cluttered of boxes, prints and posters on walls, rugs lifted and heavy furniture moved away from walls.

Be On Time Because the Inspector Will Be

Sometimes home inspectors are early. If an inspector makes an appointment with you for 9:00 a.m., have the house ready for inspection at 8:30. It's also common for inspectors to start on the exterior of the home, so leave the shades down or drapes drawn until you are dressed.

Provide Access to Roof Space, Sub-Floor, and Garage

The inspector will need to get into your basement, so keep a path cleared. Move boxes away from the walls. Do not park your car beneath access holes.

Leave Keys for Outbuildings & Electrical Boxes

Leave the remote controls for your garage door opener or a key if the garage is separate to the house. Unlock the covers for your sprinkler system and electrical box. Leave a key for exterior building access.

Clear Away Brush from Exterior Inspection Points

Cut down dead tree branches and clear brush from the foundation. Move trash cans away from the house.

Provide Repair/Renovation Documents

Make available to the home inspector all invoices and certification documents regarding remodelling projects or new items.

Prepare to be Away for 1-2 Hours

Often the buyer will accompany the home inspector, and buyers feel uncomfortable asking questions if the home owner is present. Try to schedule a time for the inspection when you can be out of the house, and take the children and pets with you.