The trusted professionals in home inspection
Local Home Inspection in Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Estes Park, Boulder, Longmont,
Larimer, and Weld
Interior:
Do wall and ceiling surfaces have holes or cracks that need
patching?
Do all the windows have operable latches?
Can all the windows be opened and closed properly?
Do any of the windows have cracked panes or broken seals?
Do windows need caulking?
Are any of the windows painted shut?
Are stair railings loose?
Are moldings loose, broken or missing?
Do interior doors stick, or open and close smoothly?
Are kitchen or bathroom tiles cracked?
Can you explain the existence or repair of old water penetration
stains on walls and ceilings?
Does the chimney damper open and close properly?
Does the chimney need cleaning?
Does the chimney mortar need pointing?
Is there insulation present in the attic?
Is the insulation in the attic blocking attic vents?
Is there a distracting amount of clutter in any of the rooms that
would prevent a thorough inspection?
Are there any signs of insect infestation?
1) Pre-Listing Inspections: highly recommended. Take a tip
from the pros. The will give you a chance to make repairs and
document the condition of your home. It will also eliminate the
possibility of one of those deal killer surprises.
2) Complete any deferred maintenance
including:
Roof and gutter systems
Siding
Plumbing fixtures
Electrical panel, Outlets and switches
Furnace, filter, and AC system
Water heater
Garage door and opener
Appliances
3) Treat the home inspection as a showing.
Encourage the sellers to clean and vacate the house. Remove
any air fresheners, they will make your home inspector think
that you are trying to hide something. It is a good idea to make
arrangements for the pets too.
4) Provide good access to the:
Furnace
Water heater
Circuit breaker panel
Attic hatch
Main water shut off valve
Crawl space entry (if applicable)
5) Make sure that the key and lock box
work well.
6) Gather important documents and have
them on the kitchen counter or table.
Sellers disclosure
Service records for furnace
Repair invoices
Applicable building permits.
Pre-Listing Inspection Reports
Are you are ready to schedule Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
Electrical
Are any receptacles, switches or their covers broken or loose?
Are all receptacles hot and switches operable?
Do any light bulbs, fluorescence or cosmetic lights need
replacing?
Do the ceiling fans work properly?
Do the reset buttons of GFCI receptacles pop out when the test
button is pressed?
Do the front and back door bells work?
Is the main electrical service wire entering the home secured to
the exterior of the house?
Do smoke alarms function when the test button is pressed?
Does the built-in microwave work?
Do all of the electrical range-top burners and ovens work?
Does the kitchen exhaust fan work?
How Sellers Prepare a Home For the Home Inspection
“Yikes, this is going to be stressful!”
Frequently, I am asked are there ways to make the home inspection go smoother?
Yes, there are. If the home is properly prepared for the home inspection, the process will tend to put the buyer at
ease rather than on guard. Here are some suggestions:
Exterior
Are there horizontal or vertical cracks in the foundation walls?
Does the grading around the house direct rain water away from
the foundation?
Are any roof shingles missing?
Are the gutters and down spouts connected and secured to the
house?
Are the gutters and down spouts clean and free from debris and
weeds?
Is the exterior wood trim in good condition?
Is the wood trim around the door in good condition?
Are there any wood surfaces in direct contact with soil?
Are stair or porch railings loose?
Are the wood or concrete steps in good condition?
Does any of the siding need repair or replacement?
Are the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?
Plumbing
Do the bases of the faucets leak?
Do the faucets shut off completely, preventing water from
dripping?
Are the faucet and shower head screens clear, allowing full water
flow?
Are any drains clogged?
Do the stopper mechanisms of sinks and bathtubs open and
close properly?
(optional) Is there insulation on the water pipes in unheated
areas of the home?
Is there access to the main water shut off valve?
Is there access to the main gas shut off valve?
Are the bathtub and shower enclosures properly caulked?
Are the toilets loose at the floor or at the tank?