After the Home Inspection, What’s Next for Sellers?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home, you’re probably going to have to endure a home inspection. It can necessitate a lot of preparation and cause a certain amount of anxiety, but a home inspection is an important part of the process when you’re selling a home. But what’s inspected? How can you prepare? And after the home inspection, what next?

Because it can be a complicated process, we researched the subject and spoke with Clarissa Hyatt-Zack, a real estate agent in Asheville, North Carolina, with 13 years of experience.

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What does the inspection cover?

It’s basically a visual examination of the home’s structure and systems. An inspector will look at the roof and the foundation — and everything in between. Safety issues are key items.

The list of things you can expect to be covered by an inspection report include:

• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Electrical system
• Roof
• Attic, including visible insulation
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Windows
• Doors
• Foundation
• Basement
• Structural components

For more details about what to expect during a home inspection, consult the Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics published by the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Although the emphasis will be on these items, inspectors will also see if things like garbage disposals and carbon monoxide detectors are operational. They will also look for leaks, mold, and signs of water damage.

Prepare for an inspection

There are several things you can do that will make the inspection go more easily — and may earn you a better report. Try to look for what home inspectors look for.

Provide access. Make sure interior doors are unlocked and clutter is cleared from everything the inspector needs to see, such as the furnace and under sinks.

1. Clean house. The inspector’s job will be easier and more pleasant if your house is tidy and clean.
2. Replace burned-out lightbulbs. To avoid any question of faulty wiring or bad outlets, make sure all the lightbulbs work.
3. Clear around the house. Trim shrubs and move trash cans so the inspector can get a good look at the siding, trim, and windows.
4.  Flush the toilet. If it runs, get it fixed.
5. Test the pilot lights. These can be on your water heater, fireplace, and stove. Make sure they all work.
6. Tighten the hinges on cabinet doors. Make sure they hang straight and close well.
7. Shut the doors. Like with the cabinet doors, make sure they hang straight and latch properly.
8. Replace the furnace filter.
9. Label the fuse box. Make sure it’s accurate and legible. This will help you in an emergency as well as the inspector.
10. Check for leaks. Look under sinks, around faucets, at the base of the toilet, bathtub, and shower, and under the dishwasher and refrigerator.
11.  Look for signs of water damage. Examine walls, ceilings, and floors for warping, sagging, and buckling. Check the exterior for leaks and pooling water.
12. Eradicate bugs. Eliminate wasp nests and get rid of ants and any other noticeable insects.
13. Check the roof. Look for missing tiles. Clean out the gutters. Ensure the downspouts are positioned properly and functional.
14. Produce receipts for maintenance, updates, and other service done to your home, such as an HVAC service, a chimney sweeping, or a water heater service.

Be prepared for the inspector two hours before the scheduled appointment. Leave all utilities on and make sure the inspector has access to all areas. Take your pets with you when you leave.