If you’re putting your home up for sale, there’s a good chance that prospective buyers will add a home inspection clause to their agreement. This is to ensure that important elements of the home are in good repair and for the buyer to get a better picture of what they are signing up for. In some cases, sellers focus too much on the aesthetics and staging of the house and end up failing the home inspection. That could result in a number of things, namely time and money to repair the issues. Here are some ways to get the most from your home inspection.
Sellers
- Be Prepared. If you don’t remember the last time your home had an electrical inspection, you’ll want to have a licensed professional check out your wiring well before you put your home up for sale. This way you can get a good idea of anything that needs fixing and add that to your budget instead of getting an expensive surprise down the road.
- Pay Attention to Details. Take this time to change all the bulbs that need replacing, wipe down dusty outlets, test GFCI receptacles, and even make sure the electrical panel is properly labelled. These little fixes will go a long way to expediting the inspection process.
- Make Way for the Inspection. If you’ve been showing your home, you’re probably already an expert at keeping it clean. Follow through with the tidiness up until the inspection. Clear the areas where inspectors will be working; for example, the attic, electrical panel, and furnace areas.
Buyers
- Know Your Inspector. Oftentimes your realtor can suggest a home inspector, but it is important to do your own research too. Ask for recommendations from friends and family members who have gotten home inspections and always look into an inspector’s credentials.
- Attend the Inspection. Knowledge is power when it comes to your new home. Show up to the inspection and ask that the inspector takes pictures of any issues. Remember that these professionals can only report what they see, and an extra set of eyes is always helpful.
- Come with Questions. While you’re checking out your new home pre-inspection, take note of anything you think may need attention from the inspector. Look for signs of water damage, discolouration around outlets, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary. That way you can mention these things to your inspector on the day they are performing their analysis.
Whether you are selling your home or looking to buy a new one, home inspections are an important part of the real estate process. For licensed electricians who can help you determine the state of your electrical system, call our team now at 4-Star Electric.