Home inspections are an important part of the home buying and selling process.
Sellers who take the initiative and have inspections done prior to their home going on the market benefit in multiple ways. Here are some examples:
- Allows you to identify and repair issues in advance
- Potentially saves money
- Reassures prospective buyers
- Puts you in the negotiation driver’s seat
There are four primary inspections The Dawn Thomas Team recommends for every home:
- Property
- Termite/Pest
- Roof
- Chimney
Property inspections cover the following:
Foundation: The inspector will look for obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation. They will also ascertain if there are trees or roots encroaching on the foundation.
Lot: The inspector will determine if the drainage system directs water away from the house and will identify any obvious soggy areas.
Exterior: Identify needed repairs or repainting. Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires?
Attic: Inspect the interior of the roof structure as well as check for signs of leaks or wiring issues.
Interior evidence of leaks: Check ceilings, windows, and doors in all rooms.
Basement/crawlspace: Is there evidence of dampness, leaks, standing water, or other concerning issues?
Electrical: Ensure switches function properly. Identify obvious malfunctions. Are outlets grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable to allow additional appliances or a potential remodel?
Plumbing: Identify any unusual noises or malfunctions. Check all faucets for proper function, water pressure, and leaks.
Appliances: If they are included, what is the age and condition of the following items: stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc. Inspector will run all appliances to check their functionality.
Heating/cooling system: Check that the HVAC system functions properly. They will call out any leaks, odors, or malfunctions.
Odor: The inspector will note any unusual smells especially if from water or gas leaks.
Miscellaneous: The property inspector will also check that the water heater is properly secured per building code requirements. Inspectors will confirm that the home has the appropriate number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and that they are appropriately placed.
A pest inspector will look inside and outside of your property to identify any insect (including termites) or rodent issues.
The roof inspector will focus on the overall condition of the roof, flashing and other components. They will also provide an estimate of how many years the existing roof has before needing to be replaced.
An inspection of the chimney will reveal if the spark arrester is properly affixed, if the chimney needs to be cleaned, and if the chimney itself is structurally sound.
Some homes may also require inspections for swimming pools, septic systems, wells, solar panels, or other property components. We will inform you as to which of these additional inspections are needed, if any.
The Dawn Thomas Team has solid relationships with inspectors in each of these areas. As your listing agent, we will assist in scheduling these vital pre-marketing inspections.
After the inspections are completed, we will receive a detailed report from each vendor. These reports will provide us with information on what may need to be repaired before we put your home up for sale.
Let’s discuss more about the reason we should complete repairs in advance.
