How to Eliminate Minor Problems on Inspection Reports

Posted by on Saturday, March 26th, 2022 at 12:04pm.

How Sellers Can Avoid Minor Problems on Their Inspection Report Smart homebuyers never skip the home inspection, so smart home sellers should be prepared for it. No one, buyer or seller, wants a poor home inspection result to complicate the transaction, especially if the flaws are minor details. Keep reading for some cheap quick-fix tips to eliminate minor problems on inspection reports.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Get Out the Vacuum Cleaner

Cleaning out filters is one of the easiest ways to keep a home comfortable and healthy. Find out where the filters are and how often they should be changed out. Here are some common maintenance schedules:

Vacuum out bathroom fans monthly.
Change the filter in the furnace and vacuum it out monthly in the winter months.
Clean gas fireplaces and vacuum out underneath the unit to eliminate dust and spider webs.
Clean out the dryer vent twice a year.

Filter density and size can affect how often they should be changed, so check the manufacturer's instructions when possible.

Check on Safety Ratings

Asbestos isn't the only outdated material that might be in an old home; there are more minor things to check as well. When you go to clean out the dryer vent, check that it's metal flex, not plastic flex, and that it's heat-rated for dryers. GCFI (ground circuit fault interrupter) electrical outlets are typically required in places where water may be present, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoors, kitchens, and other rooms. While you're reviewing the outlets, also check that each outlet is in good working order and that the cover plates on all the light switches and outlets are properly installed.

Many home safety hazards that inspectors are looking for are things homeowners already have covered, but it never hurts to double-check.

Keep Your Home Watertight

One of the best inexpensive ways to boost a home's energy efficiency is to keep air from leaking out around windows and doors, and water leaks can cause spectacular damage if they're left to their own devices for too long. Here are some common places to check:

Repair or replace caulking around tubs, sinks, showers, and backsplashes.
Inspect and replace weather stripping where needed.
Ensure downspout leaders are attached and directing water at least 6 feet away from the home's foundation—excess water can cause foundation damage.
Clean leaves and other debris out of all gutters.

What Are Common Problems That Show Up in Inspection Reports?

By knowing what problems commonly appear on the inspection report, homeowners can get a better idea of what to target when preparing their homes for sale. While they vary in the time, expertise, and expense required to fix them, here are some common inspection items:

Damaged roofing, ex. leaks, missing shingles, etc.
Outdated or damaged plumbing or electrical systems.
HVAC issues such as dirty filters, disconnected ducts, and damaged insulation.
Water damage and drainage problems, ex. poor grading, mould, water stains, etc.
Foundation damage such as cracks or sloped floors.

If one or more of these are present in your home, carefully evaluate whether to DIY or call a professional for home repairs. If the selling timeline or expense required doesn't allow for the repairs, consult with your real estate agent and know what sellers are required to disclose.

Keep Your Home Well-Maintained to Avoid Home Inspection Problems

These simple fixes are not only recommended when you are selling your house but also as part of a regular maintenance routine—deferred maintenance is one of the biggest red flags for home buyers. When a buyer shows up with an inspection contingency on their offer, sellers who follow a home maintenance schedule will be well-prepared and can be confident in the results.