HOME INSPECTOR'S BLOG
The Home Inspection Process: What To Expect In A Pre-Sale Inspection
June 25th 2024
Buying, selling, or even simply maintaining a home in Kamloops can be complex, and a home inspection is designed to help. At JH Inspections, we believe that understanding what to expect during a home inspection can help you prepare for one and ensure a smoother experience. Whether you are selling your home or simply want to ensure it’s in good condition, there are several compelling reasons to consider a home inspection.
Homeowners might want a home inspection to identify maintenance issues early, ensure safety, assess property value, prepare for selling, gain peace of mind, plan future improvements, comply with local codes, and meet insurance requirements. This is sometimes called a pre-listing or pre-sale inspection. By understanding the condition of their home, homeowners can make informed decisions, maintain their property effectively, ensure a safe living environment, or prepare for selling their home.
If you’re a buyer, you might like our article about what to expect in a Kamloops home inspection as a buyer. In this article, let’s explore the home inspection process homeowners will step through as they get their Kamloops home inspected.
Understand the Purpose
Know What Inspectors Look For
Home inspectors, including our team at JH Inspections, evaluate the physical condition of a home, focusing on its structure, construction, and mechanical systems. Our goal is to identify areas that need repair or replacement and to highlight potential safety hazards. This thorough assessment helps sellers understand the true condition of their property.
Prepare the Home
Clean and Declutter
A clean home not only makes a positive first impression but also ensures that our inspector can access all necessary areas, such as the basement, attic, and electrical panels, without obstruction.
Make Minor Repairs
Taking care of simple issues beforehand, like replacing burnt-out light bulbs, fixing leaky faucets, and unclogging drains, can prevent minor problems from becoming focal points during the inspection.
Check Safety Features
Ensure all safety features are functional. Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure all windows and doors operate smoothly. This step demonstrates that you maintain a safe living environment. Also, as with the point above, it prevents these minor issues from becoming focal points of the inspection.
Provide Access
Ensure Accessibility
Make sure the inspector can access all areas of the home, including the attic, crawl spaces, and electrical panels. Unlock any gates or doors to outbuildings - or communicate about instructions for access - to facilitate a comprehensive inspection.
Utilities Connected
Keep all utilities connected so the inspector can test systems such as electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing. This allows for a complete and accurate assessment of the home’s functionality.
Documentation and Maintenance Records
Gather Documentation
Collect all warranties, manuals, and maintenance records. Documentation of major repairs or new installations, such as installation or repair dates of a new roof or HVAC system, can provide valuable context for our inspector and potential buyers.
Leave Instructions
If there are special instructions for operating any part of the home or accessing certain areas, leave detailed notes. This ensures that our inspector can conduct a thorough and efficient evaluation without confusion.
During the Inspection
Leave the Property
It is generally advised for homeowners to leave the property during the inspection. This allows our inspector to move freely and discuss findings openly with the team without any discomfort.
Take Pets With You
For the safety of our inspector and to prevent pets from getting stressed, it’s best to take them with you or arrange for them to be elsewhere during the inspection.
After the Inspection
Review the Report
Once the inspection report is available, review it carefully. Be prepared to address any major issues that may have been uncovered, as these can impact negotiations and the sale process, if you’re planning to sell your home.
Plan for Repairs
Once the inspection is complete, you can plan for repairs or continue maintenance with new knowledge of your home’s systems. If you’re selling your home and this inspection is helping you determine a price, then you may want to adjust the selling price with any repairs in mind.
Closing Preparations (If You’re Selling Your Home)
Finalize Repairs
If you’re getting an inspection as part of negotiations with a buyer, and if you’ve agreed to make repairs, ensure they are completed before the closing date. Keep receipts and documentation of the work done as proof of compliance.
Prepare for the Final Walkthrough
The buyers will likely do a final walkthrough before closing. Make sure the house is in the agreed-upon condition to avoid any last-minute issues.
Gain Peace of Mind with a Home Inspection
Approaching the home inspection process with thorough preparation can lead to a smoother sale and can sometimes even enhance the value of your home. At JH Inspections, we emphasize the importance of transparency and readiness, as they can significantly ease the process for all parties involved. By understanding and following these steps, homeowners in Kamloops can navigate their home inspection with confidence and peace of mind.
For more information explore more helpful home inspection articles on our blog. To schedule a Kamloops home inspection, get in touch by clicking below!
