In Los Angeles, around 88% of homebuyers get a home inspection before closing their deal. Do you know why? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 44% of homes were built before 1970. This figure confuses homebuyers, and they really want to know the current condition of a home.
But wait!!! If you need to sell your home, how can you know that it meets the market requirements? Here a professional home inspector can help you. There are different companies in Los Angeles that provide this unique service, but Elite Inspections is your top choice. They will help you identify issues so that you can fix them before listing your home on the market.
In this blog, we will discuss useful tips for preparing for a home inspection so that the inspector can easily check every part of your home.
Tip. 1: Understanding the importance of preparation for home inspection
Preparation is a crucial part of the home inspection. In Los Angeles, most people hire home inspectors to learn more about the home’s condition. Then, the homeowners need to ensure that their home is cleaned and everything is arranged orderly.
This will help the home inspectors easily approach every aspect of a home to check and identify the issues. This way, inspectors can check your home thoroughly to make a final report that will help the buyers make an offer with peace of mind.
Tip. 2: Clean your home
Cleaning or decluttering your home is the key step when preparing for a home inspection. A clean home not only creates a good impression on the home inspectors but it also allows them to access every area of a home accurately. They can go to the basement, crawl spaces, attics, etc. – the main spaces to detect water leakage and check electrical wires (or any other major issues).
As you know, older homes are common in Los Angeles. That’s why it’s necessary to provide a clear path for home inspectors to easily inspect your home with peace of mind. Providing access to these spaces will reduce the last-minute deal-breaker issues.
Tip. 3: Take care of minor repairs
Minor repairs play a key role in the home inspection procedure. It is safe to fix these problems while preparing for the inspection, as fixing them before the inspection greatly impacts the home’s value.
In Los Angeles, where the housing stock is often included in old homes, the common problems that are identified during a home inspection are:
- Faucet leakage
- Electrical outlets
- Small roof cracks
For example, faucet leakage can cause plumbing issues, and electrical outlets might cause major electrical system issues. Small cracks in the roof can lead to major problems such as water seepage, gutter clogging, and wall cracks.
Therefore, it is necessary to maintain these problems before inspection so that you can prevent any major issues from occurring.
Tip. 4: Ensure that all systems are accessible
Ensure that all the major systems, like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, are accessible. This accessibility allows the inspector to examine all the systems properly and generate a home inspection report peacefully.
Suppose your HVAC system or electrical cabinet is in a tight space that the inspector cannot access. In that case, it will negatively impact the report, potentially delaying the sale process.
To prevent these issues, you need to clear the path of the HVAC system so that the inspector can easily check its components, such as a filter, ducting, and electrical system.
Tip. 5: Prepare all important documents
Preparing the documents before the home inspection will create a good impression on the home inspector. Start collecting the warranties of all major equipment, such as HVAC, gas stoves, and roofing. These warranties report the age and expected life span of these components.
Moreover, if you have receipts for recently upgraded items, such as plumbing, electrical systems, or installed energy-efficient HVAC, then show those as well to the inspector. This will leave an impression on the inspector; they will know that your home is well-maintained and taken care of.
If you want to learn, what would you do to pass a home inspection? Then you must read this blog.
What are the Main Things a Home Inspector Checks During a Home Inspection?
According to the InterNACHI, a home inspector checks various things during a home inspection.
Condition of Roof
They ensure the roof isn’t cracked and that water can easily drain through gutters. If the roof has cracks, water will likely seep into the walls and weaken the home’s infrastructure.
Basement, Foundation, and Crawl Space
These spaces require more attention from homeowners, and the home inspector ensures that they are in good condition to increase a home’s lifespan.
HVAC System
HVAC plays an important role in maintaining indoor temperature. Home inspectors examine every component of HVAC, such as:
- Filter
- Thermostat
- Heat exchanger
- Ducts
They make sure that the filter is clean and dust-free so that clean air can circulate in the home and you live a healthy life.
Electrical System
The home inspector ensures that all electrical connections and wire insulation are in good condition. Additionally, they check whether the wires meet the current load capacity. A minor problem with the electrical wires can lead to a major problem in the future.
Ventilation System
To maintain the indoor air quality, the home inspectors ensure that the home has a proper ventilation system. Due to the ventilation, most dust particles are eliminated, preventing your home from different fungi like mold.
Plumbing System
Water leakage or clogging in the pipes can lead to major issues, including damage to your home’s infrastructure. Therefore, home inspectors ensure that your plumbing system is crack-free and working properly.
Final Word
Preparing for a home inspection in Los Angeles can be challenging, but as we’ve described above, it doesn’t have to be.
Remember, your home inspector is there to check every nook and cranny of your home, so make sure they can do that without any hurdles. From cleaning your house to preparing all the documents, everything should be ready for the inspector.
Also, don’t forget that hiring a certified and professional home inspector is the key. This is why it’s always better to choose a reputable home inspection company like Elite Inspections to conduct a thorough inspection.
Well, preparing for a home inspection in Los Angeles is challenging because most homeowners do not know how to do it. The result is that the home inspector may only assess some components of a home. Therefore, we strongly recommend following the suggestions of Elite Inspections, which has multiple years of experience in the home inspection industry.
Getting a potential customer in Los Angeles is challenging because most buyers hire a professional home inspector before closing a deal. In this scenario, Elite Inspections, with several years of experience, provides a complete guide for preparing your home before inspection. We strongly recommend following these steps to make your home ready for inspection. If you want to learn what you would do to pass a home inspection, this blog is for you.
