Avoid 'Failing' Home Inspection, Check for These Home Fixes

When selling a home, a home inspection could bring up problems that prolong the closing on the sale of your home. It could also possibly cause the buyer to back off on the purchase altogether.   Homes really don’t “fail” an inspection, but here are some major items that could cause red flag concerns during one and create bigger issues in the home selling process for you.   Here are some items to check around your home to see if they could use some attention before a home inspection is conducted during the closing process on your home sale.    

Make sure outlets are properly wired before the home inspection

  Inspectors walk through every room and every single outlet to make sure that it is wired properly for safety. This task may seem tedious, but it is actually pretty simple if you test the outlets in your home. You can purchase a tester from a home-improvement store for about $10 or less. All you have to do is plug the tester into every outlet and it will tell you whether it is good.   Additionally, any outlet within 6 feet of a water source should be a GFCI outlet. 

Check out the condition of the roof

  Before the home inspection is conducted, pop up on the roof and give it a look over. No one wants to buy a property with a roof in bad condition as this can mean several thousands of dollars to repair.  

Gutters

  Gutters may not be the most glamorous or thought about of home fixtures, but they play a very important role in the function of a home. They are crucial in draining rain, snow, and stormwater away from a home. Make sure that all gutters are in good working condition, and that downspouts are properly connected and have enough of an extension.  

Water heater

  It is a good idea to check that the water heater is in good working condition and up to code. In some areas, the water heater must be secured with straps. Another thing to check is the temperature valve and that it properly runs outside without going uphill.  

Electrical Panel Labeling

All electrical circuits in the electrical panel of a home should be properly labeled for the utmost safety. If you are unsure of where things run, it is a good idea to call in an electrician to help you get everything in the panel properly and clearly labeled.  

Doors locks and windows

  While these items do not break the actual safety and liveability of a home (except for maybe the ability to secure the front door), it is a good idea to check all of these items because they will be noted on an inspection report.  

Consider Having the HVAC System Looked Over

  The heating and cooling system in a home is one of the major concerning components when purchasing a home. As such, an inspector will make sure that they are giving it its most thorough look over. Ideally, a home should have the HVAC system serviced about twice a year to ensure that it stays to its optimum operating capacity. If you have not had the heating and cooling system checked in some time it might be a good idea to give it a quick service before listing the home or having it inspected.  

There really is not much that could cause a home to not be able to be legally sold. But there are many safety concerns that could cause a buyer to renegotiate the offer price or decide not to purchase a home altogether. The more ducks you have in a row when it comes to making home repairs, the better and more smoothly a home inspection will go on your home.  

For more information on home inspections and listing and selling your Park City home, contact us at any time.