How to Prepare for A Home Inspection

This is a topic you can''t get away from. When selling your home you will have to prepare for inspection. This may be time consuming, but it doesn''t necessarily have to be expensive.

Things You Should Do When Preparing for a Home Inspection

1. Remove mulch from your home''s siding.

2. Clean out all mulch and debris from the roof.

3. Remove water from downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc.

4. Trim trees, roots and bushes away from the home''s foundation, roof, siding drain, and chimney.

5. Paint weathered outside wood, caulk around trim, windows, chimneys and doors.

6. Seal your driveway if it is cracked our chipped.

7. Seal chimney caps. If necessary, install a metal flue cap.

8. Clean and replace HVAC filter.

9. Clean out dirty returns.

10. Point up failing mortar joints.

11. Check attic ventilation to see if updating is needed.

12. Test smoke detectors.

13. Clean and service fireplace and chimney.

14. Seal and paint all stains in the basement.

15. Repair all doors and windows.

16. Install GFCI receptacles in correct places.

17. Test and make sure all receptacles are working.

18. Make necessary repairs to plumbing fixtures, toilets, tub, shower and sinks.

19. Check sump pump to make sure it''s working properly.

20. Replace burned out bulbs.

21. Get rid of rotting wood or firewood from the home.

22. Caulk exterior walls, showers, tiles, etc.

23. Make sure crawl space is dry and install vapor barrier.

24. Remove any moisture in the crawl space.

25. Check vents to make sure they''re working properly.

26. Remove all paints, solvents, gas, etc., from the home.

27. Make sure plumbing is secure and free from rust.

28. Check toilets for cracks.

The list is long, but this by no means is all you should do. This will, however, get you started. In addition to what''s already listed, you also want to make sure your home is clean and aired out properly. You need to check for and get rid of any pests that might be in your home. Pests are usually located in cool, dark and damp areas such as the attic, basement and crawlspace.

Your inspection will take less time when you have taken care of things, and you''ll have a better chance at passing inspection.

Tom Atkins is a staff wirter at Real Estate Digest and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Debt Journal.