Congratulations! You got a reasonable offer for your home, and the purchase agreement has been signed. But hold on – it’s not a done deal yet. You still have to get through the inspection. Typically, the home inspection occurs after the buyer signs the purchase agreement, and many buyers include an inspection contingency so that the sale depends on the results of the inspection. So this is the point at which sellers get nervous and anxious. But you don’t have to worry if you prepare properly. Make the inspection go smoothly with these 4 things you should do before a Atlanta home inspection.
1. Make It Easy for the Inspector
One of the first things you should do before your Atlanta home inspection is to make it easy for the inspector to access everything that will be inspected. It certainly never hurts to get the inspector on your good side.
Remove all obstacles and obstructions that may hinder the inspector’s access to any and all areas, including the garage, crawl spaces, and storage closets. Just make sure that your inspector has reasonable access to all parts of the physical structure without having to move heavy objects or perform contortions to gain access.
Some common access problems for inspectors include shelving or washer/dryers in front of electrical panels and storage areas packed full of stuff after decluttering. Furniture arrangements can also be a problem because they can make windows difficult to inspect.
If you don’t take care of these things, the inspector may note which areas of the house she couldn’t access and then come back for a second visit after you’ve taken care of the accessibility issues. If you’re not sure how to proceed here, you can contact a Atlanta agent at (404) 977-5054 to find out more.
2. Take Care of Needed Maintenance, Especially the Roof
And, certainly, before a Atlanta home inspection, you should take care of all deferred and needed maintenance. If you don’t, the inspector, especially a meticulous one, will note all these problems – which could kill the sale.
“Many home inspectors,” industry insiders warn, “will call out every flaw they can find. These flaws can add up and make your buyer think twice about how much they like your home. Inspect your house inside and out and repair anything you’ve neglected. Common issues included missing roof shingles, rotted trim, loose boards, leaky toilets, and non-working electrical outlets.”
The roof is one of the top items on an inspector’s checklist during a Atlanta home inspection. Be sure, then, to give it the attention it needs.
“The roof is a key part of the home inspection . . . so you can’t ignore it in your preparations. Get out a ladder and clean moss and debris from the gutters, check for damaged or missing tiles and make sure downspouts are in their proper position. If you do find damage on the roof, you’ll want to get it taken care of prior to the home inspection.”
3. Inspect the Systems and Mechanics
Also right at the top of the list of things examined during a Atlanta home inspection are the home’s systems and mechanics. These important things include the roof (as we just pointed out), furnace, air conditioning, water heater, plumbing, and wiring. The best course is to have these checked out by a professional before the inspection.
At the very least, take care of the HVAC system, a major component of an inspection and of importance to buyers. Have the HVAC system cleaned and checked out by a licensed contractor, and if problems are discovered, take care of them. And always, real estate pros advise, replace all old filters with new ones.
4. Take Care of Water Leaks and Damage
Signs of water leaks and water damage are far more important during a Atlanta home inspection today than they formerly were. The reason is that we’re now more aware of the potential for mold and mildew and the grave health hazards they pose.
“The home inspector is definitely going to be looking for signs of leaks or water damage, so it’s better you beat them to it and get any water-related issues repaired prior to the inspection. When looking for leaks, be sure to check under sinks, around faucets, around the base of your toilets and bathtubs and/or showers, and under any appliances that may leak, such as dishwashers and refrigerators. In terms of water damage, examine walls, ceilings, and floors, looking for signs of warping, sagging, or buckling. Don’t forget to check the exterior of your house for signs of leaks or water damage as well. If you see water pooling near the base of your house, that should be a cause for concern.”
Ask Your Agent About a Atlanta Home Inspection
Your Atlanta agent may not be an inspector, but she has been through this process many (maybe hundreds) of times. And that means that your agent has a keen eye for the kinds of things an inspector will be looking for. Your local agent, then, can help you head off inspection problems to make the process go smoothly and make the sale go through. So if you’re facing a Atlanta home inspection, be sure to contact us today at (404) 977-5054.