A home purchase is a significant financial investment most people make once in a lifetime. A home inspection is of utmost importance before making any sale or purchase. In addition, a home inspection informs the buyer and seller about the need for repairs or maintenance. Not only does an inspection prevent both parties involved from unpleasant surprises down the road, but it also gives them their money’s worth.
If you are a home buyer, a home inspection helps reveal problems that help you negotiate and reach a suitable price for the house. On the other hand, if you are a homeowner and are preparing to sell your house, a home inspection will help determine what repairs are required before you set a final price. Taking care of the repairs allows you to display your home in a better light, leading to a higher sale price.
A home inspection procedure involves assessing the systems and physical components of the house for a potential seller or buyer. For example, the heating, central air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and insulation systems are all typically covered in a routine house inspection. It also includes a visual inspection of the house or apartment’s walls, attic, foundation, windows, doors, ceilings, basement, and flooring, etc.
To perform all these tasks, a certified home inspection company Houston might take longer than planned because of many different reasons. There are, however, ways to accelerate the house inspection procedure.
Perform a Utility Check
To begin, make sure all your utilities are switched on. This includes services such as water, gas, and electricity. If the house is empty and the utilities are disconnected, you should connect them again for the inspection. It allows the inspector to check the functionality of heating and other appliances.
Keep Your Pets Away
While pets are friendly and beautiful additions to our homes, they may obstruct the house inspection procedure, especially if they are hostile towards the inspector. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get them out of the way before the inspection. You should also notify your inspector of the presence of these pets before they begin their inspection.
Check the Detectors.
If you have any devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, make sure they are operating and replace any dead batteries.
Check the Working of Your Air Conditioning System
You should clean the unclean HVAC filters and replace them if needed. HVAC filters should be replaced every 90 days to improve efficiency. The longer the filter remains, the more dust and allergens are trapped, clogging the filter.
Remove Debris
Remove any debris, wood, or other materials kept next to your home’s foundation since the inspector may label them as “conducive circumstances’ ‘ for the breeding of termites. You should also tidy up your yard to make it easier for the inspector to wander about and evaluate your drainage systems and septic tanks. Moreover, consider removing any items blocking the electrical panels, HVAC equipment, water heater, and crawl spaces.
Unlock the Areas To Be Inspected
Unlock all of the spots to which the inspector needs access. These include attic doors, electric panels, basement entrance, and outer gates.
Trim Your Trees and Hedges
If trees or shrubs surround your house, make sure the branches don’t touch the roof. Trimming them at least 10 feet away from the roof is a good idea. You should also trim shrubs and other plants near the home that may attract pests or retain moisture.
Get Broken Accessories Repaired or Replaced
Doorknobs, locks, gutters, window panes, and chimney caps are usually among the necessary components to be repaired or replaced. Replace any burned-out bulbs as well. This can help you prevent the “light is inoperable” notice.
If you are a potential seller or buyer, the above checklist will help you speed up the home inspection process. Following these steps will ensure a smooth and efficient home inspection process.
Are you looking for a home inspection service in Houston TX?
If you are, it is very important to get your house inspected by a good inspection company. 1st Rate Inspections is a professional and certified home inspection company in Houston TX. They offer excellent home inspection services to all their clients at affordable rates.
Before hiring or scheduling an appointment, be sure to improvise all the tips above to speed up the inspection process and assist the home inspector in doing his job well.