Stay Up to Date on Annual HVAC Maintenance
There are certain tasks in your home that need to be completed each year, enabling you to stay on top of any impending repairs. You’ll want to ensure your HVAC system has been recently serviced because this is one of the most important components an inspector will assess. Typical maintenance should include a thorough cleaning and filter change. If your system requires any repairs, it’s better that you find out before potential buyers do.
Keep up With Your Home’s Exterior Maintenance
Take a look at the exterior of your home through the lens of an inspector. If you have any missing roof shingles, for example, you should have them replaced. Go ahead and trim any trees or other foliage close to your roof, or within six inches of your home’s perimeter. It’s also a good idea to clean out your gutters and ensure your downspouts are properly diverting water away from your home.
Make Necessary Small Repairs in Your Home
There are many potential small issues inside your home that could end up documented as flaws on the inspection report but are relatively easy for you to take care of. Prior to the inspection, you can stay one step ahead by replacing light bulbs, testing your GFCI outlets, replacing smoke detector batteries, testing your carbon monoxide detector, updating grout or caulking where necessary, testing all electricity and plumbing, and replacing torn window screens.
Get a Pre-Listing Inspection First
One of the best ways to stay ahead of a buyer’s inspection is to have your own pre-listing inspection first. We’ve gone over the benefits of pre-listing inspections before, and how they are a great way to be proactive and get the most for the sale of your home. A pre-listing inspection truly puts you in the driver’s seat of any repairs that need to be made, allowing you to take care of them on your timeline, and with your contractor of choice.
