There is more to selling a home than getting a willing buyer. Before closing on your deal, a home inspector must go through the property and ensure that it is worth the asking price. And once an issue is documented by a home inspector, you have a legal obligation to disclose the findings in any future offers on the property. This could potentially turn interested buyers away before they even consider purchasing your home. Knowing what home inspectors look for can help you keep things moving in a positive direction.

Home inspector making notes on a clipboard during a home inspection.

Visible Mold and Mildew

Even though mold and mildew might not hint on structural failure, many buyers will avoid it because it is unsightly and perhaps toxic. Black mold is a serious problem in damp places. DIY mold treatment is efficient and cheap on normal variety mold.

Don’t wait until the buyer notices the problem. Most will want professional mold removal, which though fast could cost you a couple thousand dollars.

Water Damage

Leaking water or storm damage can lead to many problems in and around a house. The impact is hard to miss. Since water can affect a house’s structural integrity, no one will want to move in before you can fix the problem.

Moreover, the ensuing damage could encourage mold and mildew that is also bad news. Your home inspector will take note of water damage, its extent, and the probable cause. These could make it hard to sell at a good price. Taking care of the damage and fixing the leaks before an inspection could save your sale and keep things on track.

The Plumbing System

Take care of any dripping taps, slow drains, and low water pressure before the inspection as the inspector will look into these too. Check if all your taps have adequate water pressure when you have multiple outlets on at the same time.

The Roof and Gutters

There is always so much fuss around roofs, chimneys, and gutters. Damaged or old shingles are the first thing new buyers and home inspectors will notice when they arrive at your property. Home inspectors understand the value of a good roof. They will go under the rafters to inspect the rafters and the attic.

Any rot, moisture, or open spaces under the roof will be noted. Some states go as far as demanding independent roof inspections before closing on a new home.

Apart from ensuring that your roof is in good condition, you can prepare for the inspection by servicing fixtures opening up to the roof. This could include chimney flashings, skylights, and any windows opening up to the roof.

The Electrical System

The modern homeowner expects so much from their electrical system. They want the latest sockets, secure ground fault circuit interrupters in the kitchen and bathrooms, and a strong wiring system to support the demand.

If you are selling an old home, get an electrician to upgrade the wiring and ensure that the electrical systems and wiring are up to current standards. The inspector will ensure that all power receptacles are where electrical wiring standards expect them to be installed.

Preparing for a home inspection might be tiresome but it is worth every minute. While it might sound like a waste of money, you will sell faster if your property passes inspection on first the pass. Don’t wait for the inspector to identify these obvious mistakes before fixing them. If you have more questions about home inspections when selling your home, contact our office today.