Pre-Inspection Checklist
Doing as much as possible before the Buyer's property inspection helps ensure that the process before closing goes more smoothly. Below is a "checklist" of items often found during the course of a property inspection that a seller could do, or could easily hire a general handy-person to do.
The main thing is - we want is the home in showing condition. Please leave all lights on and make sure all areas are accessible.
Outside
Check that doorbells work.
Check attic ventilation and condition of vent screens.
Check to see if there is standing water, especially near the foundation, after irrigation or rainfall.
Check structure (including attic and foundation crawl space) for pests (termites, wasps, spiders, nests, etc.).
Check for any wood in direct contact with soil, including fences and gates.
Check for loose wiring (electric, cable, phone) and poor wire terminations.
Check for holes and damage to siding, doors, windows, and trim so that structure is weatherproof.
Check for overgrown vegetation, especially in walkways; growing on siding, roof, chimney, fences, or in gutters; or too close to utility lines.
Check for trip hazards in walkways, driveways, and stairways
Check for loose handrails at stairways, decks, balconies, and porches.
Check that landscape lighting/irrigation systems work.
Check condition of pool and spa, and related equipment and utilities.
Check that ponds, fountains, and waterfalls, and related utilities, work properly and are protected from children.
Plumbing
Check that seismic straps are on the water heater.
Check that stoppers work in bathtubs and sinks.
Check for clogged drains.
Check that toilet seat bolts and screws are tight.
Check that faucets don't drip or leak around the base.
Check stop action on faucet handles.
Check condition of caulk/grout in bathtubs/showers.
Check for safe and easy access to water shutoff valves (street curb, water heater, sinks, toilets, etc.).
Check for safe and easy access to any gas shutoff valves (meter, furnace, water heater, etc.).
Check for loose toilets and loose toilet tanks.
Electrical
Check for safe and easy access to electric panels and main circuit breaker.
Check that ceiling fans work on all speeds.
Check for burned out lights, including ceiling fans.
Check for damaged or loose outlets and light switches, including covers for outlets and switches.
Check for unplugged appliances, and unplug anything that is unnecessary to facilitate outlet testing by the Buyer's property inspector.
Remove extension cords and outlet multipliers.
Check that outlets work.
Check that exhaust fans work in kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.
Check that any electrical junction boxes have covers.
Inside
Check condition of towel holders and tissue holders.
Check condition of bathtubs, showers, and shower doors
Check that carbon monoxide alarms work.
Check that smoke alarms work, and that they are present on each floor of multi-story houses.
Check for loose kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Check ease of operation for doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows, including windows nailed or painted shut.
Check for missing, loose, or damaged hardware on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers (stops and guides), and windows.
Check that latches/locks work on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows.
Check for damage to screen windows.
Remove excessive storage (closets, attic, garage).
Check for moisture stains on ceilings and walls; around doors and windows; near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers; and near the dishwasher.
Check that kitchen appliances work.
Check that an anti-tip device is installed on the range.
Miscellaneous
Let dogs and cats vacation for a few hours with a family member, friend, or at a pet spa. Check that other pets (birds, snakes, rodents, etc.) are caged.
Check that filters are in place and clean (kitchen range hood, heating/cooling, bathroom fans, etc.).
Check for soot, cobwebs, and wildlife in the fireplace and lower areas of the chimney.
Check that the fireplace damper opens/closes easily.