Prepare Your Home for Sale and Inspection

Here are some helpful suggestions to get your home ready for an inspection. We also have a Flyer availble for free download.

Have clear access to the attic, crawlspace, heating systems, electrical service panels, water heaters, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
If house is vacant, be sure all utilities are turned on: Water, Electric, Natural Gas or Propane. Turn on the Water Heater, Furnace and Central Air
Breakers are on in the electrical service panel(s)
Don't do quick, cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs). This will clue in an Inspector that amateur work has been done and will tend to make him/her look closer at the house.
Many of these items may be taken care of with little or no cost. Some of these items will indicate to the Home Inspector and Buyer that the house has been well maintained.

Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or more inches of clearance
Make sure the grade slopes away from the foundation (a 6 inch drop over 10 feet is preferred)
Remove rotting wood and firewood from contact with house.
Remove grade from contacting any foundation vents.
Divert all water 6 to 10 feet away from house, (e.g. downspouts extensions, sump pump, etc.)
Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors.
Seal asphalt driveways if cracking. Use ‘Stone Mason’ to fill cracks in concrete driveways and walks.
Tuck-point repair any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
Where windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.

Clean out dirty gutters and debris from the roof.
Seal or point up masonry chimney caps and install metal flue cap
Make sure soffit vents and roof vents are clear of any obstructions (e.g. birds nests, insulation, etc.)
Have fireplace or wood stove chimney cleaned and provide a copy for buyer.

Clean out basement drains.
Seal masonry walls in basement.
Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18% to deter rot and mildew
Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier.
Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
Make sure the sump pump properly discharges to an underground storm drain system (NOT SANITARY) or there is a drain hose that discharges a minimum of 10 feet from the foundation

Clean or replace HVAC filter. (Make sure it is installed in the right directions)
Clean the coil if there is an exterior A/C unit
Make sure there are no obstructions within 3 feet of the exterior A/C unit including vegetation
Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
Replace humidifier evaporator (water panel) if it exists
Check that bathroom and kitchen vents are properly vented to the exterior of the home.

Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors, tub/surround, plumbing fixtures
Put all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower, sinks) in proper working condition. Look for any leaks.
Check all overflows in the sinks and tubs to make sure they are working properly
Check that toilets are secured to the floor and properly caulked around the base of the toilet.

Test all smoke detectors. Make sure there is at least one smoke detector on each level of the home and in all bedrooms. Replace batteries in those that don’t work and retest.
Make sure you have at least one working Carbon Monoxide Detector on each floor of your home including the basement. This is a new Wisconsin law that went into effect February 1st, 2011.
Get all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including any cracked windows.
Remove any temporary wiring (extension cords)