If you’re getting ready to list your house for sale or if it’s already on the market, you should be prepared for the home inspection. What’s involved? Each inspection is a little different, depending on the property, the buyer and things like city water or well water, but you can be prepared.

• Inspectors often begin outside. The first thing they do is climb on the roof and look at the chimney to see if there’s a chimney cap, if any bricks are missing, if the chimney requires repointing, review the condition of the chimney flue, if there are any curling roof shingles and then they move down to the ground to inspect for wood rot, gutter condition, proximity of landscaping to the house (I’ve learned it shouldn’t touch the house), examine the walkway, review condition of the driveway, check the siding for woodpecker or any other pest/rodent damage and observe the condition of the deck, before heading inside.
• Once inside the home, they frequently start in the attic or the basement and you should as well. Check the attic to make sure there’s plenty of insulation, no hanging wires, no bats (you’d be surprised how quickly people exit an attic at the sight of a bat, so make sure you declutter, and check for any leaks. Look for mouse droppings or anything else that shouldn’t be there.
• On the second floor, the inspector will check each outlet to make sure that GFCI outlets function properly, that all regular outlets are functioning; each window will be opened and closed, if the screen is damaged or missing, the inspector will make a note for the buyer regarding these items. Any bathroom faucets or toilets will be checked for leaks, a whirlpool tub will be filled and operated. All lights should have bulbs that function, otherwise the inspector might suggest consulting with a licensed electrician. If your home has central vacuum in place, that too will be tested.
• On the first floor, the inspector will turn on your cooktop, ovens (please don’t stash your Tupperware in there, things go bad quickly and that smell lasts sooooo long), dishwasher, check the GFCI and regular outlets on that floor, open and close all windows, check existing screen conditions, all doors are open and closed in both the kitchen and throughout the home.
• The basement is the highlight of the inspection as it houses all the mechanicals and provides insight into the function of the house. Have you replaced the filter for HVAC with the correct replacement filter (or had it serviced by a licensed professional with a tag in place)? Has water infiltrated the basement? Inspectors will look for staining from previous water entry, rust on columns, efflorescence on the walls or any other sign of water invasion. Are there cobwebs everywhere? If so, vacuum them and help the basement to show its best. How old is the water heater? Check for damage to ductwork that is visible. Open the hatchway and sweep out the stairs to allow clean and easy access. If you have well water, consider testing the water quality for coliform or any other contaminant that would not provide potable water. Water softening systems should no longer drain into the septic system and Buyers expect the systems should comply with CT guidelines that necessitate the system backwash into a separate drywell with leaching field.
Feeling overwhelmed? Me, too! I haven’t even mentioned the septic inspection where today’s contractors can run cameras into the leaching fields! Please know I haven’t covered everything involved, but a call to a local inspection company might help you prepare your home for the inspection that will inevitably come with an offer! It’s not surprising to find something, even if your home is meticulously maintained, but a weekend of preparation will help things to go smoothly and to assure your buyers that you’ve maintained your home as best as possible.