Dave Richert - Dave.Homes
 

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.