Seller’s Prep for Home Inspection Checklist
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EXTERIOR |
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Landscaping |
☐ Clear away wood piles and debris that are in contact with the house
☐ Remove all soil/mulch in contact with the exterior siding around the foundation
☐ Trim or remove all vines/bushes/branches in contact with the home or service cables |
Porch/Patio/Deck |
☐ Secure loose handrails |
Roofing |
☐ Fix any loose shingles or nail pops on the roof
☐ If a newer installation, provide a copy of the roofer’s contract/warranty
☐ Remove moss growing on roof shingles |
Chimney/Flue |
☐ Add chimney cap to the top exterior chimney flue |
Gutters & Leaders |
☐ Clean gutters
☐ Add splash plates and extensions to the gutter downspouts |
Windows |
☐ Check that all windows open and close
☐ Check that all windows stay up on their own
☐ Repair all windows that have broken seals/cracks |
Exterior Doors |
☐ Replace any double cylinder locks on entry doors |
Garage |
☐ Clear out clutter from garage, especially around perimeter
☐ Seal all holes in walls and ceilings
☐ Install fire rated door
☐ Check auto reverse feature for electric overhead garage door opener |
INTERIOR |
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☐ Remove or secure pets
☐ Remove all heavy clutter, stored items, shelves or other blockages
☐ Make sure home is clean
☐ Repair any holes/nail pops in walls and ceiling |
Interior Doors |
☐ Make sure all doors open and close freely |
Interior Stairs |
☐ Install/secure handrails on interior stairs |
Fireplace |
☐ Clear debris from firebox
☐ Make sure gas log remote is available
☐ Make sure damper opens |
Kitchen |
☐ Make sure all kitchen faucets are working
☐ Make sure all stove burners light
☐ Make sure all doors open and close without rubbing |
Bathroom |
☐ Make sure all sink/shower/tub faucets are working
☐ Make sure all toilets flush☐ Make sure all fixtures drain properly |
Attic |
☐ If present, make sure attic ladder is in working order
☐ Make sure there is access to the attic – i.e., clear clutter from closet entrance |
Basement |
☐ Remove clutter
☐ Make sure crawl space is accessible for entrance
☐ Reattach fallen insulation in crawl spaces
☐ Mitigate any substance that appears to be mold-like
☐ Test sump pump
☐ Add a dehumidifier to help reduce humidity
☐ Check that sump pump discharges outside the foundation and not in the municipal waste |
Wood Destroying Insects |
☐ Complete a termite inspection prior to the home inspection
☐ Provide any treatment or repair receipts/warranties |
SYSTEMS |
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Utilities |
☐ Make sure all utilities are turned on
☐ Make sure filters are in place and are in good condition |
Heating Systems . |
☐ Turn on the heating if it is not working and have it serviced
☐ Make sure filters are in place and are in good condition |
Air Conditioning |
☐ If the air conditioning unit is not working, have it serviced (test only if temp is above 50 degrees) |
Electrical System |
☐ Secure all outlet covers and replace any that are missing
☐ Make all remotes available for fireplaces, fans etc.
☐ Make sure electrical panel is accessible and has 3 feet of clearance
☐ Check and replace all burned out light bulbs
☐ Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchen and bathrooms |
Water Heater |
☐ Note: Water heaters over 10 years old will be flagged as older |
Oil Tank |
☐ Provide certification that the oil tanks scans were clear or that a tank was removed |
Recent Repairs |
☐ All repairs should be performed by qualified, reputable contractors ☐ Provide all repair receipts and warranties |
Renovated House |
☐ Provide all contract/swarranties/agreements for the appliances and systems
☐ Provide all permits and documents related to the necessary inspections completed |
Condo/Townhouses |
☐ Provide a copy of the association’s rules/responsibilities |
Roots Home Inspection
908 769-0028
Bill@RootsHomeInspection.com
www.rootshomeinspection.com