A house inspection serves as a thorough evaluation of the state of your residence. Typically, these inspections are arranged when purchasing a new property, refinancing, or constructing a new home.
During the inspection process, a qualified inspector meticulously examines every aspect of your property to guarantee its structural integrity and compliance with regulations. Additionally, they assess various features including appliances, plumbing fixtures, electrical systems, and more.
If you are planning to sell your house, a home inspection can assist you in identifying any necessary improvements. However, ensuring that your home is in optimal condition requires some effort.
Do you want to do a home inspection check for asbestos? It is essential to ensure your home inspector has easy access to every nook and corner of your property. This is where these cleaning and organisation tips come in handy.
Take a look at these six valuable cleaning tips to prepare your home for an inspection:
1. Clean Your House Thoroughly
A thorough cleaning of your entire house before an inspection is a must. However, this can be a time-consuming task. You may use house cleaning services to assist you in the cleaning process.
You must clean every nook and cranny of your house before the inspection. A clean home with a good smell gives the inspector a positive impression.
Here are the things you should do to make your home look its best:
- Scrub the walls, counters, and floors.
- Clean ceilings and windows.
- Wash all drapes and blinds.
- Wipe cabinets inside and out.
- Clean and disinfect appliances and furniture.
- Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets.
- Wipe all light switches and door handles.
- Clean and dust fireplace hearth and mantel.
- Make sure the toilet, bathtub, and sink are clean and free of residue.
2. Test All Electrical Outlets
All wiring, switches, and outlets must be safe and functional. Even so, this job might be a little tedious as you need to check every socket and switch.
If you find anything faulty, you should hire an electrician to fix it right away. Your electrical system is the heart of your property. So, any malfunction may give a negative perception to the inspector. It will also be a massive inconvenience if it leads to some emergency.
Upgrade your electrical panel, if possible. Don’t forget about light fixtures and outdoor lighting as well. Make sure they work properly and are firmly secured.
3. Check All Faucets And Water Valves For Leaks
As part of the inspection, the pressure of your water valves will be checked. Make sure to check all faucets for drips, leaks around the handle, and running water.
If you see problems with your toilets or plumbing fixtures, have these repaired before the inspection. Having a functional and clean water system is a must to keep your house in good condition.
4. Evaluate Your Structural Exterior
The exterior of your home is one of the most crucial aspects that will get you a passing grade from the inspector. Expect an inspection of the foundation, decking, windows and doors, paintwork, and siding of your property.
If there are cracks in your foundation, you’ll need to get them repaired immediately. Boards on a deck or stairs should be firmly secured and in good condition.
Additionally, ensure any caulking between windows and that doors are in good shape. You must check the paintwork for peeling, bubbling, or flaking areas. Your siding also needs to be in good condition, so there should be no holes or damage.
During this time, you want to avoid all work that might cause damage. Fix any problem you find with your exterior structure before the inspection day.
5. Declutter And Organize
Get rid of unusable items and keep only the essentials. This will help keep your house looking neat and organized.
Clean out drawers, wardrobes, and shelves to make sure you only store what you need. Remove any clutter around your home, such as old magazines or newspapers.
Place the repaired or updated furniture in a prominent position. You can also use this opportunity to pick up new furniture or home decor.
Don’t forget to organize your backyard, garage, and patio to make your home look tidy from all sides. Store the tools and equipment neatly in boxes or wall racks.
You may also remove dead plants, if there are any, from your outdoor space. Having a clean backyard makes your home more attractive.
Decluttering and organizing your home before an inspection is key to getting a good assessment from the inspector.
Practicing the art and science of decluttering can go a long way, from home organization to gaining a sense of freedom and well-being. You can hone your decluttering skills by taking a related course.
Decluttering courses give you the right mindset, motivation, and habits to order things in your house. That way, you’ll also learn to put everything in your life in the right place and remove unwanted ones.
Decluttering experts have created learning programs to help stay-at-home moms, seniors, home buddies, and solo residents. Learn more about decluttering courses here.
If you’re busy, you can hire a professional decluttering service. Key considerations include verifying the credentials and experience of the service providers and checking client references and reviews. Ensure a customized approach to meet specific needs and assess the range of services offered. Moreover, understanding the cost structure, potential sustainability practices, insurance coverage, and client involvement level is essential.
6. Don’t Forget Your HVAC System
An HVAC system is another vital part of your home construction. It will determine the air quality inside your house.
The system should be working efficiently by quickly heating your house in winter and cooling it down in summer.
The inspector will check the heating and cooling system, ducting, vents, fans, and combustion equipment. Your attic, basement, and crawl space will also be examined.
If you find any problem with your HVAC system, call an expert as soon as possible. Professionals can ensure that your system will run smoothly whatever season we may be.
When selecting an HVAC professional, ensure they have the credentials, experience, and positive reviews.
Seek recommendations and references, and check for certifications, indicating a commitment to industry standards. Obtain written estimates, be cautious of unusually low bids, and inquire about warranties.
Assess communication skills, energy efficiency knowledge, and availability. Confirm compliance with local regulations to ensure a reliable and qualified HVAC professional.
Conclusion
Preparing everything for passing a home inspection can be a challenge. However, with the right mindset and proper time management, everything will be good.
Note that inspectors will check your house from inside out to determine if any problem needs to be fixed. You need to stay active and cooperate with their tests as much as possible.
With these comprehensive tips in hand, you’re bound to have a smooth home inspection process.