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What to Expect Before We Inspect: How to Prepare Your Home for an Inspection (continued)
Plumbing
Check all of your fixtures to ensure they are secure. Kitchen and bathroom faucets are in daily use and become loose. This can allow splashing water to work its way under the fixture and drain onto the bottom of the sink under the cabinet. Another common condition is a faucet that leaks around the stem. These leaks are often slow and little consideration is given to them if they are noticed. An indication of a slow leaking stem valve is mineral buildup around the base of the fixture itself. Turn the faucet on and inspect the stem while water is running. Some stem valves can be repaired with a new o-ring. After the leak is repaired clean the mineral build up with a sale remover such as CLR. Also check the connections under the sink to ensure they are not encrusted with minerals.
Loose toilets are easy to identify and correct. Straddle the toilet and try to gently rock it with the inside of your knees. If it moves, it will need to be tightened.
Results of a loose faucet
Tile showers and tubs are often missing grout in the joints or have caulking that is deteriorating.
Another condition often noted in showers and tubs is slow drainage. This is typically due to hair clogging the drain. Fill up the tub and ensure that it will drain at a reasonable rate. If you think it is slow to drain, then you are probably correct. Ensure the drain is clear of any hair or debris.
Heating and Cooling
If you have a furnace or central heating and cooling, ensure that the filter and the return air compartment are clean. Filters should be replaced every 2-3 months and many manufacturers recommend once a month. Evaporative coolers are almost always rusted and dirty. They also provide a great environment for the growth of mold and other bioaerosols. Inspect the interior of your cooler for dirt, rust, and any mold like substance. These components can be cleaned and coated with a sealant that will significantly increase the life of the unit. Also inspect the pad(s). The pads for single pad coolers such as MasterCool units can be expensive ($100 or more).
Interior
Although most inspectors do not comment on cosmetic conditions, industry standards dictate an inspector must report on all water stains. If you have had a leak repaired, follow through and repaint the stains on the interior. This is best accomplished with a stain sealer followed by the interior house paint.
Now inspect your windows for cracks and ensure they will open and close. Many single hung windows that have not been in frequent use will have a defective sash balancer. This is the mechanism in the side of the window that allows the window to stay open at the height determined by the user. Window professionals can normally repair these for a reasonable cost.
This guide is not meant as a substitute for a professional home inspection. Professional inspectors are trained and have encountered these conditions in many homes. By following these tips, you will eliminate typical items noted by professional home inspectors. If you are not comfortable performing these inspections, consider a pre-listing inspection. Not only will a professional home inspection identify areas of concern it can reduce your liability and provide you with a professional sellers disclosure statement. You will then be able to list and sell your house with the piece of mind you deserve.
