A home inspection should not be considered a “technically exhaustive” evaluation, but rather an evaluation of the property on the day it is inspected, taking into consideration normal wear and tear for the home’s age and location. A home inspection can also include, for extra fees, Radon gas testing, water testing, energy audits, pest inspections, pool inspections, and several other specific items that may be indigenous to the region of the country where the inspection takes place. Home inspections are also used (less often) by a seller before listing the property to see if there are any hidden problems that they are unaware of, and also by homeowners simply wishing to care for their homes, prevent surprises, and keep the home investment value as high as possible.
Roughly 80% of home sales today involve a home inspection before settlement. Buyers want to know what they’re buying. And that means sellers often face requests for major repairs, price cuts or certifications after an inspection.It doesn’t have to be that way. One way for sellers to lower their risk is to hire a qualified home inspector before they put their home on the market. A pre-listing inspection alerts sellers and their agents to issues that are likely to come up in a buyer’s home inspection. Then they can decide — on their timetable and budget — what to do to get the home in shape to sell quickly and command top dollar.
Even without a pre-listing inspection, sellers can do many things to minimize surprises after a buyer’s inspection. Here are 10 tips based on issues that come up frequently in home inspections.Many of these steps are simply good home maintenance. Congratulations if you’ve been taking them all along. If not, taking them now could save you money, increase your sale price, and spare you a lot of aggravation.
If your heater’s getting elderly, make sure it’s Superior Home Inspections Fayetteville NC leaking or just producing lukewarm water. Also check for a drain tube from the safety valve on or near the top of the tank. A handy homeowner can install one for about $10; or hire a good handyman or plumber. Roofing. You know this: If it leaks, get it fixed. Also get a roofer’s opinion if you see missing, curling, cracked or broken shingles on a sloped roof. On flat roofs, trouble signs include poor drainage (look for “ponding” of water on the roof) and “alligatoring” (deep cracks) in the roofing material.
Drainage. Be sure rain gutters are properly sloped and clear of debris, downspouts are connected, and extensions or splash pans carry runoff at least 5 feet away from the house. If possible, grading should direct water away from the house, too. These are the easiest ways to prevent or minimize … Water in the basement. Sometimes it’s not preventable, but it can be managed. Besides following the drainage recommendations, check for seepage through foundation cracks. These can be sealed. If you have a sump, make sure the pump works. Where does it discharge? Be sure the water drains far from the foundation, so it doesn’t seep back inside. And if the basement’s damp, consider a dehumidifier.
Crawlspaces. An inspector will want to see a vapor barrier over dirt floors and will check for water penetration, unsafe wiring, moisture and insect damage to wood and insulation, and water pipes in danger of freezing. You should, too. But be very careful or hire a pro; crawlspace inspection can be dirty and dangerous work. Termites. If it’s been years since your home was checked for wood-destroying insects and the damage they cause, it’s time for another inspection. A “clean” report or a record of recent treatment gives you another attractive selling point.