If you are selling your home, you may be wondering whether or not you need a home inspection. Many sellers wait for the buyer to take the initiative. However, getting a home inspection before you put your house on the market can be beneficial in many ways. A pre-inspection reassures prospective buyers and saves you time and money by spotting any major issues ahead of time.

Home Inspection Check-List

Even if you decide not to get a full home inspection before putting your house on the market, there are a few things that you should inspect beforehand to avoid any major surprises later when your interested buyer asks for an inspection. Here are the top home elements to add to your inspection check-list:

1. Structural Components

The structural components of your home affect how long the home will stand up to forces like weather and gravity. An inspector will thoroughly evaluate the foundation, framing, and other structural components during the home inspection to get a better idea of how sound the home structure is.

2. Roofing

Buyers typically shy away from homes that need a roof replacement, so having your roof inspected can give you a better idea of whether or not you may need to replace your roof before putting your home on the market. The inspector will look at the roof covering, draining systems, skylights, and chimneys.

3. Plumbing

Though working plumbing used to be a luxury, today it’s pretty standard. You will want to make sure that your plumbing system is properly installed and operating effectively before showing your home to potential buyers. The inspector will examine the water supply and drainage systems, hot water heating equipment, and the fuel storage systems to make sure they are all in working order.

4. Electrical Components

A safe, working electrical system is essential in any home. An inspector will evaluate many different electrical components including service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses. Some common areas of concern that will need to be fixed before putting your home on the market include undersized electrical service, double taps, and overheated wires

5. Exteriors

Not only does the exterior of your home make an important first impression on potential buyers, but it can also have some red flags when it comes to safety that are important to fix before selling your house. An inspector will look at exterior components of your home to make sure it is easy to enter and exit the building and ensure that the exterior adequately keeps weather away from the structure and interior of the home. Common areas of concern are windows, siding, railing, and steps.

6. Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Buyers are usually looking for homes that are move-in ready without any immediate need for major repairs. That’s why having a working HVAC system is important before putting your home on the market. Some common HVAC issues that the inspector will look for are damaged condenser fins, disconnected ductwork, and leaking boilers.

Thinking about putting your home on the market? Call us today for a thorough HVAC inspection and tune-up.