Being Prepared for an Inspection

What Basic Maintenance Makes A Difference in the Quality of Your Home?

Inspection reports often identify the same neglected maintenance items. Performing some basic maintenance can help keep your home in better condition, thus reduce the chance of those conditions showing up on the inspection report. Most of these items can be accomplished with little or no cost, while the benefits of selling a well maintained home can be worth the effort and increase your return on investment.

  • Clean both rain gutters and any roof debris and trim back excessive foliage from the exterior siding.
  • Divert all water away from the house (for example, rain-gutter downspouts, sump pump discharge locations, and clean out garage and basement interiors.
  • Clean or replace furnace filters.
  • Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding (preferable 6-8 inches of clearance).
  • Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows, doors, and all exterior wall penetrations.
  • Make sure all windows and doors are in proper operating condition; replace cracked windowpanes.
  • Replace burned out light bulbs.
  • Make sure all of the plumbing fixtures are in good condition (toilets, tubs, showers, sinks) and in proper working order (repair leaks).