General

• Inform inspector if something isn’t working, is winterized, or shouldn’t be turned on!

• Ensure your pets are penned or crated, and that firearms and valuables are safely put away.

• Be sure to clear items out of the way of electrical panels, accesses, and foundation walls.

Inside

• Make sure all outlets and switches have covers. Replace any burned-out bulbs. Put fresh batteries in and make available remotes. Be sure proper screws are installed on panel cover.

• If your smoke detectors don’t work or are older than ten years, replace them.

• Ensure all handles, latches, knobs, slides, and locks are present and properly functioning on drawers, windows, doors, and cabinets.

• Replace dirty HVAC filters. Clean dust and lint from bathroom fans, registers, and dryer vents.

• Clean appliances and fixtures and have them unloaded or empty. Make sure all available accessories are present, safety devices are installed, and let us know if a feature isn’t working or has been disabled.

• Correct any trip hazards or loose handrails.

• Repair any leaking plumbing fixtures.

• Repair or replace broken fans/electrical fixtures.

• Install missing or repair broken shelving. Ensure all doors and windows operate properly and have screens installed (if applicable).

• Ensure proper operation of garage doors.

• Test GFCI and AFCI outlets and breakers.

Basement and Outside

• Remove any animal nests from fascia, vents, and soffits.

• Apply fresh chalking where needed and paint metal lintels over windows and doors.

• Clean gutters, install splash blocks or downspout extenders.

• Be sure to slope mulch or topsoil away from the edge of any siding or veneer. 

• Trim back vegetation away from roof or sides.

• Remove items away from foundation walls and from underneath decks, porches, or within crawlspaces. Replace or reinstall any missing or hanging insulation.

• Ensure all basement windows and egress wells are clear and covered.

• Test the sump pump and make sure a cover is installed.

• Ensure fencing and gates are serviceable.

• Clear vegetation and items from HVAC, plumbing/well, and sewer/septic components.

• Ensure exterior outlets have weatherproof covers and are GFCI protected.

• Repair any trip hazards, loose boards, or railings.

• Ensure the chimney cap is installed and the roof is clear of debris. Repair or replace any loose shingles or missing components.

• Test the doorbell and all exterior lighting.

• Pressure wash exterior surfaces. Repaint and repair cladding and trim as necessary.

  ***Don’t forget. Lawn irrigation, pools, hot tubs, exterior buildings, etc. may need additional, preparation as well…