How to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Inspection in Phoenix
Getting your home ready for a home inspection in Phoenix can seem like a daunting task. You want to make sure everything looks its best so you can get top dollar when selling or avoid issues when buying. The key is being strategic and focusing your efforts on the areas inspectors will examine most closely. Here are some tips to help you prepare your Phoenix home for a smooth and successful home inspection.
Do a Thorough Cleaning
A deep clean before a home inspection in Phoenix is essential. tidy up clutter and do basic cleaning throughout the house. Pay special attention to:
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in a home, so make sure it sparkles.
Clean appliances inside and out removing all grease and food residue. This includes the stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.
Shine up sinks and faucets. Remove hard water stains, mineral deposits, and grime.
Clean cabinets, drawers, and countertops. Dust shelves, wipe down exterior surfaces, and tidy up contents.
Sweep and mop floors thoroughly. Don't forget inside cabinets and under appliances.
Clear clutter from countertops completely.
Remove everything from the fridge and clean inside. Organize neatly after cleaning.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms also get heavy use, so they're another area inspectors scrutinize.
Clean all surfaces in the shower and tub surround. Remove soap scum, mildew, and mold.
Sanitize the toilet bowl and shine fixtures.
Clean off counters and wipe down cabinets.
Sweep and mop floors.
Add a new shower curtain and tidy around the sink.
Remove clutter from countertops and cabinets.
Walls and Ceiling
Wash walls to remove scuffs and fingerprints.
Dust corners, edges, and ceilings to remove cobwebs.
Fix any cracks or holes in walls and ceilings with caulk or spackle. Sand and repaint if necessary.
Windows and Doors
Clean interior and exterior surfaces of windows and doors.
Make sure windows open and close properly. Adjust or repair as needed.
Lubricate squeaky hinges and sticky locks. Replace if broken.
Caulk and weatherstrip as needed to seal air leaks.
Floors
Sweep, mop, and/or vacuum all flooring.
Steam clean carpets and rugs.
Dust and polish wood floors.
Wax linoleum and vinyl floors.
Declutter Throughout the House
Clutter can make a home feel smaller and cause an inspector to overlook things.
Remove extra furniture and personal belongings. Donate, sell, or store offsite.
Organize and tidy closets, cupboards, and other storage spaces.
Only leave essential items on kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, etc.
Put away toys, magazines, paperwork, and other items.
Make Minor Repairs
An inspector will note any maintenance issues or damage in the home. Make minor repairs before the inspection to prevent little problems from turning into big fixes later.
Fix leaky faucets and showerheads. Replace washers if needed.
Seal any drips or leaks under sinks and around toilets.
Replace burnt out light bulbs indoors and outdoors.
Make sure all electrical outlets work and have cover plates.
Fix squeaky doors and cabinets with lubricant.
Replace cracked floor or wall tiles.
Patch small holes in screens.
Check the Exterior
Curb appeal matters, as the outside of your home makes a first impression.
Mow the lawn and trim hedges. Rake up debris.
Weed and mulch garden beds. Plant flowers for color.
Sweep entryways, porches, patios, and walkways.
Power wash siding, decks, and concrete to remove stains.
Clean gutters and downspouts so water can drain properly.
Patch holes and cracks in siding, stucco, brick, etc.
Paint faded doors and trim.
Ensure exterior lighting works. Replace bulbs as needed.
Prepare Mechanicals and Utilities
Inspectors will want to look at the condition of systems and components like:
HVAC System
Replace air filters in furnace and AC units.
Remove debris and vegetation near outdoor condenser units.
Clean intake and return vents.
Ensure the thermostat works properly. Replace batteries if needed.
Have a professional inspect and service the system.
Water Heater
Drain and flush water heaters per manufacturer instructions.
Check pressure relief valves and overflow pipes for proper operation.
Inspect exhaust vents and flues. Remove debris or obstructions.
Electrical Panel
Remove clutter and storage around the main panel. Leave 3 feet of clear space.
Check for double tapped breakers which need to be separated.
Ensure all breakers are correctly labeled. Update labels as needed.
Make sure covers are secure with no exposed wires.
Plumbing
Locate the main water shut off valve and verify it's working. Label it if necessary.
Look for signs of leaks around the water heater, under sinks, around toilets. Fix any drip or seepage.
Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers to check for proper drainage.
Flush toilets to make sure they refill properly. Fix any running toilets.
Check Safety Equipment
Inspectors will want to test safety systems to make sure they function properly.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Push test buttons to verify alarms sound. Replace batteries or entire units if needed.
Make sure there is a working detector on each level and in/near all sleeping areas.
Install additional detectors as needed to meet safety requirements.
Fire Extinguisher(s)
Check pressure gauges to ensure proper charge. Recharge if needed.
Confirm mounting is secure and extinguisher is accessible.
Make sure there is an adequate number of extinguishers for home's size and layout.
GFCI Outlets
Press test and reset buttons on ground fault circuit interrupter outlets. Replace any failed GFCIs.
Upgrade older outlets in kitchens, baths, laundry, and other wet areas to GFCI outlets if missing.
Consult Professionals as Needed
Some inspection preparation is best left to the experts.
Have the chimney(s) cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep.
Hire an electrician to evaluate the electrical panel and wiring.
Consult a roofer about the condition of the roof, flashing, vents, etc.
Call a plumber to inspect pipes, drains, water pressure, sewer line, and more.
Consider having an HVAC technician inspect the heating/cooling systems.
Preparing for a home inspection doesn't have to be stressful. By spending a little time cleaning, decluttering, making repairs, and checking systems, you can make sure your Phoenix home puts its best foot forward. A smooth inspection will help the sale or purchase go through without major hurdles. And you'll have peace of mind knowing your home's condition inside and out.