A little birdtold me…

  1. How to
  2. Be Ready

Be Ready

Texas Eagle Eye Inspections PLLC

You accepted the offer, the papers are signed, and your home inspection is the last major hurdle. The inspection process can be a nerve-racking experience as it may uncover issues that could cost you money or the deal. With a little preparation and planning beforehand can help smooth the process and reduce your level of concern. This checklist covers how to manage your packing and still be ready for the inspection, special considerations for vacant homes, and finally what to do the day of the inspection. View the checklist

Managing Your Move & Accessibility

  • Keep in mind when you are packing and boxing your things that the inspector requires COMPLETE AND TOTAL ACCESS to your home for the inspection. Your home doesn’t need to be in ready to show condition – the inspector understands you’re moving and the disarray is expected! However, you’ll need to keep access to the following areas completely open and accessible:

    • Electrical Panel, the Inspector will remove the panel cover

    • Furnace, the Inspector will remove the furnace cover

    • Attic Space, the Inspector will need to access inside attic

    • Attic Space, the Inspector will need to access inside attic

    • Crawl Space, especially if it is inside a closet full of stored items

    • All bedrooms and living areas

    • All exterior surfaces, siding, decks, carports, walk ways, etc...

Vacant Homes

  • A special note about vacant homes: make sure all utilities are turned on, this includes water, electricity, and gas. Remove winterization of any major system; the furnace, AC, and the water heater will be inspected. Gas-fired appliances, with pilot lights, such as a gas log fireplace or older furnace, may have been turned off for the summer or if the house has been vacant; make sure pilot lights are lit.

  • THE CHECK LIST

      This checklist gives you the opportunity take a look at things before the inspector and, as much as you can, get your house ready by fixing problems. It's like having a cheat sheet – use it to help anticipate what to expect. If there are any issues that you identify while working through the checklist that you're not familiar with fixing on your own, it's best to call a professional before your inspection date to do the work. The checklist is divided into functional areas of your home to make it easy to walk through this checklist.

      Exterior of Your Home:

      • Make sure there is a gap of at least 6 inches between any dirt or mulch and the brick or siding of the house, your foundation should be exposed.

      • Cut back plants and shrubs so they are at least 12 inches from the house.

      • Moved items away from the house; move firewood as far away as reasonable.

      • Check the siding and trim for damage or rot.

      • Re-caulk around doors, windows and over nail heads.

      • Verify that weather stripping is intact.

      • Test that all exterior doors and knobs, latches and deadbolts are operating properly.

      Roofing & Gutters:

      • Clean debris off the roof using a broom or blower.

      • Have a professional repair any damaged or missing roofing materials.

      • Clean gutters and repair any damage, rust through or sagging.

      • Check that your downspouts are properly diverted away from the house, either with elbows and splash blocks or drain pipes.

      Garage:

      • Check the garage door opener and safety features; adjust it so it properly reverses against pressure

      • Make sure the garage door itself is operating properly and repair as needed.

      • If the home is newer with solid core, self-closing door to the interior, make sure the door closes and seals properly by itself.

      Kitchen, Utility, & Bathrooms:

      • Clear out areas under sinks so they can be inspected.

      • Check for leaks under the sinks and around the faucets.

      • Look damage around toilets, tubs and showers.

      • Re-grout and caulk tub and shower surround; don’t forget to check along the floor in front of tubs, showers and around toilets.

      • Test built-in appliances and check the operating temperature of your oven.

      Interior & Attic:

      • Open and close interior doors, verifying they operate easily, look for missing or damaged hardware

      • Open, close and lock or latch interior windows, look for missing or damaged hardware.

      • Remove items you’re storing in the attic.

      • Verify fan ducts are connected and vented outside.

      Electrical:

      • Clear a path to the electrical panel box, make sure there is space to work around the panel box.

      • Flip all the switches to test light fixtures and fans. Replace burned out lights.

      • Test the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

      • Test GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms, garage and exteriors.

      Plumbing:

      • Check your water heater for signs of leaking or damage.

      • If you have a gas water heater, make sure the pilot is lit.

      Heating & Cooling Systems:

      • Change, or clean your HVAC filter.

      • Remove debris, plants and shrubs away from the exterior compressor of your air conditioning.

      • Check the level the exterior compressor.

      Crawl Space:

      • If you have a crawl space, get in there and look for plumbing leaks.

      • Remove any wood, concrete, and cardboard debris.

      • Look for any damaged or fallen floor insulation.

      • Reconnect any disconnected heat ducts.

      • Repair any damaged foundation vent screens and make sure all foundation vents are clear.

  • To help make the process easy for everyone here are few things you can do the day of the inspection to get your home ready, it also lets the buyer know you are ready and prepared and for this last little bit of the process.

    Inspection Day To-Do List:

    • Make sure all animals are secured in a pen or crate.

    • If vacant, make sure all utilities are on and pilot lights are lit.

    • Remove any locks on outside gates which prevent full access to the exterior.

    • For garages that are not attached to the house, leave a remote or key.

    • Unlock the covers for your sprinkler system and electrical box.

    • Leave a key for exterior building access.