A home inspection in New Smyrna Beach FL is an important step in the home-selling process. The buyer and seller are important, but the seller is faced with another obstacle to completing the home inspection. As an inspector, I guide buyers through their homes and help them understand the process. It is amazing to me how few sellers prepare for the inspection. Many sellers assume there’s nothing they can do that will alter the outcome of an inspection. A few easy steps, such as those listed below, can make an inspection more efficient and reduce the number of items in the report.

Clean your House

It sounds simple, but homeowners overlook this tactic. Home inspectors are people first and inspectors second. People have preconceived notions about how well a house has been maintained. Clean homes show that you take care of your house.

Keep on time, and the inspector will be there

Sometimes, home inspectors arrive early. An inspector will make an appointment for you at 9:00 a.m. to inspect your home. If you have an inspection, you should be ready by 9:00 a.m. Unprepared sellers have been “surprised” by someone wandering in the backyard.

Keep the Utilities Connected

The home inspector will need the stove and dishwasher to be turned on. They also need to test the furnace, air conditioner, and furnace. The inspector can’t test receptacles to verify grounding or reverse polarity if the power is off. The inspector will need to reschedule if utilities are not available. This could delay closing your transaction or remove the buyer’s home inspection contingency.

Furnace and water heaters can be surrounded by workspace

Take out all obstructions to your furnace, water heater, and air conditioner. These items will require three to four feet of space for inspection by the inspector.

Keep the Pilot Lights On!

Home inspectors often do not light pilot lights because they aren’t covered for this type of liability. The buyer may delay closing if the pilot lights aren’t lit.

Garage and Attic Access

The inspector will inspect your basement and attic. Keep a clear path. Remove boxes from walls. Vacuum spider webs.

For outbuildings and electrical boxes, leave keys

If the garage is not attached to your house, leave the remote controls or the key for the garage door opener. Lock the covers of your sprinkler system or electrical box. For exterior building access, leave a key.

Replacing any out-of-date light bulbs

The inspector will not know if the bulb has been damaged or if the fixture or switch is defective. This question can be answered by a fresh bulb if necessary. It will make the inspection run more smoothly.