Home inspections are not just for buyers. Use this seller’s home inspection checklist to understand the repairs needed and prepare your house for selling.
It’s now time to list your house but the condition is as-is. You have adjusted the listing price in order to make up for it, but you are still worried about what might happen during an inspection by a potential buyer. Do not wait until the last moment to discover what repairs are needed in your house.
It’s normal for a seller to get their house inspected before listing it. The inspection will allow you to identify any problems before they are noticed by buyers. This can be done by lowering the price or doing some repairs yourself.
This seller’s home inspection checklist will help you evaluate your home even if you do not hire a professional. Avoid any unpleasant surprises by knowing what to look out for and where to look.
Take A Walk Around Your Property
Start your home inspection outside. Make sure your home has a good curb appeal, and that the area surrounding it is well maintained. Look for signs that indicate something is wrong. Look out for:
- Standing Water, particularly after rain to ensure proper drainage.
- Cared for trees and shrubs. The house should not be physically touched.
- There are more than a few cracked driveways and pathways. It’s not a deal-breaker for everyone but it could be something that a buyer wants you to fix before closing.
- Rotted wood in your yard. Check your fence, deck and any other wood-made items.
Look At Your Exterior
Check the exterior of your house while you are outside. You spend the majority of your time inside the house, so it is easy to overlook problems on the exterior of your home until they become a major problem. Pay close attention to the roof, window frames and siding during a buyer inspection. All of it should be in top condition. You should look for:
- Foundational Cracks. They can indicate a larger problem.
- Wear and tear on stucco or siding. There should be no cracks. Panels for siding should not be loose, or show signs of curling or decay.
- Frames around windows and doors made of wood that is free from rot or cracks.
- Windows that are in good shape with no cracks or broken screens. Also, you should check if there is any moisture between the glass panes. This is usually an indication that they need to be replaced.
- Condition of the roof. It’s important to avoid damaged fascia and flashing or missing shingles. A roof that has damaged shingles may also need to be replaced. Consider getting them fixed if you have a lot of damaged shingles.
- Damaged or clogged gutters. You should clean your gutters regularly. If it’s been awhile, you may want to do it before listing.
- Condition and condition of the chimney cap. It’s a good idea, if it has been a while since you cleaned your chimney, to also take a look at the chimney cap. If you do not want to hire a professional, a drone can be used to inspect the chimney cap. The chimney caps must be in good shape, as they are often inspected during home inspections.
From Top To Bottom, Take A Look At The Interior.
Start at the top of the house and work down. The attic is the first place to start, followed by the main living areas room-by-room. Last, move on to your basement, if there is one.
Attic
When you live in the home, attics are not often inspected. They are a vital part of your seller’s home inspection checklist. If you have a bond against termites, your attic should also be checked annually. It’s important that any problems at the top are addressed as soon as they occur. Ignoring small attic problems can lead to bigger issues. What to look for
- Evidence of rodents or insects.
- Electrical wires that are frayed or spliced.
- Standing Water.
- Ventilation problems or damaged vents.
- Insulation is not sufficient.
- Holes leading outside.
Interior space
Before you sell your house, it is important to inspect each interior room. You should look for:
- The interior of the doors, walls, floors and ceilings may have stains, chips or cracks.
- Windows that can be opened and closed without any problems.
- Ventilators that provide good airflow.
- Cracks or damage to the fireplace.
- All lights and electrical outlets must work correctly.
- The smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be current and in working order.
Kitchen
You may already know that having your appliances working is a must for your kitchen. But did you also realize you have to install GFCI outlets six feet from your sink?
Many outlets don’t meet code requirements when it comes to where the water and plug are located. This is something that an inspector will be looking out for, and you can ask your electrician to fix. After checking those, check for:
- Leaks under the sink.
- Drawers and cabinets that are easy to open and close, and appear to be in good shape.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are a popular place for buyers to look at their own style. Does the buyer like the bathroom’s hardware, tile or bathtub? The inspector is the one who will really evaluate your bathroom. Look at your bathroom as if they were there and check for:
- An exhaust fan that is able to remove the air from the home.
- You need good water pressure for sinks, tubs and showers.
- Any staining or leakage in the pipes.
- Caulking chips around the tub and tile.
- Toilets that are stable and don’t have any stains or tremors around the base.
Basement/crawl space
Your home is now at the bottom. It’s time to look at the foundation again from the inside. Look out for:
- Moisture is a sign of any moisture.
- Adequate venting.
- Evidence of rodent or insect infestations.
- All wooden elements must be in good shape, without damage or decay.
Give Your Utilities Special Attention
It is possible that this area could be a source for conflict between buyers or sellers. Your slightly older AC unit may still have a few years left. You haven’t needed to do any repairs for a long time. The buyer may want to replace the unit because of the inspection.
When it comes to utilities, there’s a fine balance to be struck. So give your buyers the least amount of worry as possible. Look for these signs to ensure everything is in great condition:
- Leaks in plumbing.
- Your water heater should perform at a satisfactory level. The temperature of the hot water should be between 118 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The fuse box and all visible electrical wiring must be in working condition.
- Keep your AC clean and in good working order.
Checklist for Seller Home Inspection: Is it Complete?
After assessing your home, you may realize that there are things you need to repair before you list. Code violations, structural issues or safety concerns are the main areas you should focus on. It is likely that these issues will be raised in a professional home inspection in Birmingham AL. Therefore, it is better to address them sooner rather than later to avoid jeopardizing the sale of your house.
If you discover that your foundation is sagging or the termites are responsible for wood rot, there is another way to sell your house without having to make repairs. You can sell your house “as is” to an off-market buyer and receive a competitive price that includes renovation costs.
No Repairs Required
We helps homeowners sell their home as-is for a higher price. You don’t need to make repairs or stage your house. This takes the stress out of selling.
