Home inspections have become a crucial part of any selling process. After all, purchasing a house is a substantial financial investment. For a buyer, home inspections ensure that one is making the right decision by investing in a particular property- the property being sold is well-maintained, its price is fair, and there are no surprises, such as leakages and mould, awaiting them.
While home inspection in Ottawa is becoming increasingly common, few know what to expect from one. Consequently, sellers do not know to get their property ready for it. A little bit of preparation before an inspection helps showcase its best fronts. Hence, if there is such an appointment scheduled for your home, it’s time to start preparing today itself. So read on to find out how you can give your property an edge and make its sale successful!
Here are eight ways to help you to prepare for a home inspection:
Pick up the Vacuum Cleaner
This is an obvious- yet often neglected- step of preparation for a home inspection. Yes, the inspector will be here to check the foundations of your house, but the dust on the floor shouldn’t be ignored either. After all, an untidy house creates a bad first impression of your property.
Present your home well
Ultimately, an inspection is an evaluation of how well your home has been maintained. Thus, cleaning is only the first measure. Take a look around the house and change any broken bulbs, switches and locks. Additionally, venture out into the garden to cut the grass and trim the trees. If you have a septic tank, this will be a good time for septic pumping in Ottawa.
Turn the utilities on
This is an especially important step in getting your house ready for a home inspection in Ottawa. The inspector will test the stove, dishwasher, furnace and heating system, so be sure to turn them on especially if your house has been vacant. If an inspector cannot check them, then they will have to reschedule the appointment. This will cause a delay in finalizing the deal and ultimately be a lot of hassle for you and the buyers.
Be Prepared To Meet The Buyers
This may come as a surprise, but any good home inspector will recommend that buyers accompany them when they conduct the inspection. There are a couple of reasons for this- buyers this way get a more comprehensive view of the property, and they also get to clear their doubts and voice any concerns. While you will not be present at the inspection, you will likely run into them as you are leaving the house. So prepare yourself accordingly by being organized and dressing nicely.
Be on-time
Home inspectors are known for their punctuality. In fact, they often arrive before the designated time. Hence, it is best to be ready for an hour in advance. So, be prepared with all the necessary requirements beforehand- inspectors usually start by evaluating the exterior of the house, so clean the garden and backyard first.
Make arrangements to stay away
Sellers are not a part of home inspections unless they have asked for one themselves and investigations can take considerable time to complete. Since buyers often accompany the home inspectors, they have their concerns to discuss as well. Thus, it is best to make arrangements for yourself for at least 3 hours. If your property has additional features such as a septic tank, they may be inspected as well.
Don’t forget the pets
If you have pets, you will need to make arrangements for them as well, so take them with you. If that is not possible, make arrangements with relatives, neighbours and friends that your pets love. Alternatively, crate your pets and keep them at a safe place.
Don’t stress out
Buyers are not expecting your property is in absolutely pristine condition. They want to familiarize themselves with any issues that can create a hindrance for them in the future. So, be open about any problems you have had while residing here and how you dealt with them. It will also be helpful to lay out the paperwork as proof.
