Getting your home ready for a home inspection in Phoenix can seem like a daunting task. You want to make sure your home shows well so that there are minimal issues for the home inspector to find. At the same time, you don’t want to cover up problems or make hasty repairs. The key is being strategic in your preparation.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through a room-by-room checklist of what to look for as you get your Phoenix home ready for a home inspection. We’ll also share tips on repairs and improvements to consider making before the inspector arrives. Read on for a thorough guide to home inspection preparation.
Exterior of the Home
The exterior of your home makes the all-important first impression. You’ll want to start your inspection prep by doing a walk around your property to identify any issues on the outside of your home.
Paint and Siding
Scan the exterior paint and siding for any cracking, peeling, rotting, or other visible damage. Make notes on areas that need to be repaired or repaired before the home inspection. Fresh paint can go a long way in improving your home’s curb appeal.
Also look for any areas where the siding is pulling away from the home. This could indicate a moisture issue behind the walls that will need to be addressed.
Windows and Doors
Inspect all exterior doors and windows for proper functionality. Open and close each door and window to ensure they operate smoothly and lock properly. Replace any cracked glass. Tighten any loose hinges or handles.
Pay special attention to entry doors, which face the most wear and tear. Consider replacing any entry doors that are warped, damaged or allow air or water to pass through.
Roof
Grab a pair of binoculars and do a visual inspection of your roof. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles. Identify areas of roof decking that are visible – this may indicate underlying water damage. Also look for debris that needs to be cleared.
If there are any concerns, schedule a professional roof inspection before the home inspection. It’s better to be proactive in addressing potential roof issues.
Gutters and Drainage
Clogged gutters can lead to moisture issues in the home. Use a ladder to access your gutters and downspouts and clear out any debris. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
Examine areas near the foundation for any signs of poor drainage, such as standing water after rain storms. Improving drainage is important for structural integrity.
Deck/Porch
Make sure any decks, porches or patios are safe and functional. Inspect for loose handrails, damaged steps and dry rotted wood. Do a test walk around the perimeter to check for soft spots or instability. Complete any necessary repairs or have a professional inspect further if you have concerns.
Landscaping
Well-maintained landscaping shows buyers the home has been cared for. Trim bushes and tree branches away from the home. Keep lawns freshly mowed and edged. Plant colorful flowers near the entryway. Remove any dead plants.
Pro tip: Schedule a lawn care service to maintain your yard in the weeks leading up to the inspection.
Pest Control
Have a pest control professional do a thorough inspection inside and outside your home. Treat any issues prior to the inspection to prevent small problems from becoming huge headaches later. Pay special attention to termites, scorpions and other Arizona pests.
Home Inspection Phoenix
These exterior Home inspection Phoenix tips will help you identify areas needing improvement to impress home buyers and inspectors alike. A well-maintained exterior says a lot about how the rest of the home has been cared for.
Interior Living Spaces
After touring the outside, the home inspector will head indoors to evaluate your home’s interior living spaces. Here’s a room-by-room checklist of what to examine.
Entryway
- Test all exterior door locks to make sure they are working properly
- Check for signs of air or water infiltration around door frames
- Remove any clutter near entryways and keep coats and shoes organized
Living Room
- Test all outlets, switches and overhead lights
- Look for cracks or holes in walls and ceilings
- Check for carpet stains and water damage
- Repair any cracks in plaster or drywall
- Steam clean carpets if needed
Dining Room
- Clean lighting fixtures to remove dust and grime
- Look for water marks or stains on walls near windows
- Patch nail holes and anchor wobbly light fixtures
- Check for scuffs or gouges in hardwood floors and refinish if needed
Family Room
- Spot clean upholstered furniture and area rugs
- Repair damaged trim or molding
- Make sure fireplace is operational and chimney flue works
- Test ceiling fans on multiple settings
Hallways
- Check for peeling paint or wallpaper
- Ensure carpets are stretched tight with no ripples
- Repair squeaky floorboards and loose baseboards
Bedrooms
- Open and close windows and doors to check for sticking
- Install new outlet and switch covers as needed
- Look for cracks in ceiling and test overhead lights
- Check closets for musty odors that may indicate leaks
Bathrooms
Bathrooms require particular attention, since leaks and moisture issues here can be major problems.
- Seal all tile and grout needing repair
- Caulk around tubs, showers and sinks to prevent leaks
- Make sure exhaust fans work properly to reduce humidity
- Look for slow draining sinks and tubs
- Test water temperature and water pressure
- Replace any missing or cracked tiles
- Repair or replace leaky faucets
Focusing on these areas will help you identify and resolve problems before the home inspector reaches the bathrooms.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so you want it looking its best.
- Clean range hood and check exhaust venting outside
- Describe stain or damage to sink, faucets, granite countertops
- Look for leaks under sink pipes
- Test garbage disposal and dishwasher
- Open and close cabinets and drawers to check for sticking
- Replace any burnt out lights
- Deep clean tile grout lines
Make sure appliances are clean and in working order. Have any appliances that are broken serviced by professionals.
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Doing a comprehensive inspection of interior living spaces will enable you to fix problems before the home inspection. This will keep little issues from turning into major ones later.
Structural Components
While cosmetic updates matter for first impressions, the structural integrity of the home is most important for long term value. Here are key areas for inspectors to examine:
Foundation
Inspect the foundation walls and floors for cracks wider than 1/4 inch. Look for evidence of moisture damage or shifting. If you have concerns, consult a structural engineer to inspect further prior to the home inspection.
Basement
Check for signs of moisture like flaking paint, efflorescence or musty smells. Look for cracks in the walls or floor. Repair any leaks prior to the inspection.
Doors and windows
In addition to checking exterior doors and windows, open and close interior doors and windows to identify any not working properly. Adjust door stops that are leaving marks on walls. Tighten any loose door knobs.
Ceilings and walls
Look for water stains or sagging areas that indicate a leak. Repair any holes in drywall or plaster. Scrape away texture on ceilings that are cracking or peeling.
Attic
Inspect the attic for proper ventilation and any signs of leaks. Look for moisture near vents, rafters and sheathing. Repair roof and plumbing leaks before inspection.
Home Inspection Phoenix
Addressing structural issues is important for preventing major headaches after purchasing the home. Don’t ignore small problems that could turn into costly repairs down the road.
Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing Systems
Home inspectors will thoroughly examine the home’s major systems to identify issues that could become expensive to repair. Here’s how to prepare:
Electrical
- Replace any outdated wiring with copper wiring if possible
- Ensure all outlets work and there are no loose connections
- Breakers in the main panel should be labeled
- Look for scorch marks near panels that indicate a short
Cooling/Heating Systems
- Change air filters one month prior to inspection
- Have a technician inspect the AC unit prior to inspection
- Clean debris away from condenser unit
- Make sure thermostat works properly
Water Heater
- Drain any sediment to improve efficiency
- Check for leaks or rust on the tank
- Make sure pressure relief valve has extension pipe to drain lines
- Look at age – units over 8-10 years may need replacing
Plumbing
- Fix any leaky faucets or showerheads
- Look for stains under sinks indicating leaks
- Make sure water drains properly in tubs and sinks
- Flush toilets to check for problems
- Know location of main water shutoff valve
Being proactive in tuning up systems and fixing minor leaks now prevents major headaches after moving in. This shows buyers the home’s systems are well-maintained.
Home Inspection Phoenix
Taking the time to thoroughly inspect the home’s systems prepares you to address issues before the professional inspection. This prevents small problems from becoming huge repairs down the road.
What to Expect on Inspection Day
Preparing your home for a smooth home inspection in Phoenix is worth the effort. Here’s what you can expect on the big day:
- The inspector will tour the entire interior and exterior, taking notes and photos
- All rooms will be examined, including crawl spaces and attic
- The inspector will run water and test electrical switches and outlets
- Systems including AC, heat, plumbing and electrical will be evaluated
- The roof, gutters, drainage and foundation will be examined
- You will be able to review the full inspection report afterwards
Be prepared to make repairs needed for final loan approval. Having an inspection done prior to listing the home allows you to fix issues proactively.
The more prepared your home is thanks to your diligent inspection, the fewer surprises and stress you’ll encounter. With a thorough home inspection preparation, you can rest assured knowing the condition of your largest investment.
Home Inspection Phoenix
Taking the time to prepare ensures your Phoenix home inspection goes smoothly, giving you peace of mind about the condition of your home.
How a Home Inspector Can Help
While DIY inspection preparation is smart, there are limitations to what an untrained eye can identify. This is where a professional home inspector’s expertise comes in.
In addition to the inspection for the home sale, consider hiring an inspector for a consultative pre-listing inspection. They will identify underlying issues you may miss on your own inspection.
Here are key benefits of bringing in a home inspector early:
- Trained eye helps spot problems like moisture intrusion, pest damage, faulty wiring etc.
- Identify potential safety issues like lead paint, asbestos, mold hidden behind walls
- Provide repair estimates so you can budget appropriately
- Offer third party perspective on which issues are most critical to address
- Prevent small issues from becoming major repairs later
Look for an experienced local inspector familiar with Phoenix homes. They will know what to look for in older homes vs newer construction.
Be wary of “deal” inspections – you want someone who will be thorough. Read reviews and ask for references to find a reputable company.
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Investing in a comprehensive home inspection gives you insider knowledge of your home’s condition. This allows you to be proactive with repairs, so you have no nagging worries about hidden issues. You’ll have confidence listing your home in top condition.
Make Repairs Like a Pro
Your pre-listing inspection will generate a list of repairs needed to get your home market-ready. Here are tips for completing repairs so they hold up to scrutiny:
Use Licensed Contractors
Hire licensed professionals rather than taking a DIY approach for important repairs. This includes electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and roofers. Verify their license and read reviews from past clients.
Avoid Quick Fixes
Don’t paper over problems with cosmetic fixes. Repairs should comprehensively resolve issues rather than just hiding them until after closing. Be upfront about the work you’ve done.
Conscientious Painting
Spot painting draws more attention to flaws. Instead, repaint entire walls or rooms so paint matches. Also, don’t paint over wallpaper – remove it properly prior to painting.
Replace, Don’t Repair
Some items like appliances and roof shingles are better off replacing once they reach the end of their lifespan. Repairs may not last, while replacements bring things up to current codes.
Add Value Where Possible
Look for inexpensive updates like new lighting fixtures, upgraded flooring and new sinks that modernize your home’s style. Payback is around 70% for most minor upgrades.
Home Inspection Phoenix
Making smart repairs and improvements prepares your home to pass the inspection with flying colors. It also makes your home more competitive and valuable in today’s market.
A Worthwhile Investment
Preparing for the unknown is always wise when selling your home. Investing time and effort to thoroughly inspect your home helps you identify and resolve problems before they derail a sale.
While no home is perfect, buyers want to see one that has been well-cared for and improved over time. Taking advantage of the pre-listing home inspection period to fix defects shows buyers how much pride you have in your home. This can give you a negotiating edge if issues do arise later.
Bring in professionals as needed, but also use this home inspection preparation time to take care of maintenance and repairs yourself. Sweating the small stuff now pays dividends later in a smooth sales process.
The peace of mind of knowing your beloved home’s flaws and virtues will help you confidently market and sell your home for the best price. With an immaculate home inspection report, you can relax knowing you’ve handed over your home in its finest condition.