Here are some helpful suggestions to get your ready for an inspection. We also have a Flyer availble for free download.

General Guidelines

1. Clear access to the attic, crawlspace, heating systems, electrical service panels, water heaters, garage and other areas that will be inspected is essential
2. If house is vacant, be sure all utilities are turned on: Water, Electric, Natural Gas or Propane. Turn on the Water Heater, Furnace and Central Air
3. All breakers (that should be on) are on in the electrical service panel(s)
4. Don't do quick, cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs). This will be obvious that amateur work has been done.
5. Many of these items may be taken care of with little or no cost.  Some of these items will indicate to the Home Inspector and Buyer that the house has been well maintained.

Exterior

1. Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or more inches of clearance
2. Be sure there is clear access to the LP tank or Gas meter
3. Make sure the grade slopes away from the foundation (a 6 inch drop over 10 feet is preferred)
4. Remove rotting wood and firewood from contact with house.
5. Remove grade from contacting any foundation vents.
6. Divert all water 6 to 10 feet away from house, (e.g. downspouts extensions, sump pump, etc.)
7. Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
8. Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors.
9. Seal asphalt driveways if cracking. Use ‘Stone Mason’ to fill cracks in concrete driveways and walks.
10. Tuck-point repair any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
11. Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
12. Where windows are at or below grade, install window wells and covers.

Roof/Chimney/Gutters

1. Clean out dirty gutters and downspouts and leaders are attached directing water away from the foundation
2. Make sure the roof is free from debris
3. Seal or tuckpoint masonry chimney and crown. Ensure the flue is clean and free-flowing. 
4. Make sure soffit vents and roof vents are clear of any obstructions (e.g. birds nests, insulation, etc.)
5. Have fireplace or wood stove chimney cleaned and provide a copy for buyer.

Basement/Crawl Space

1. Clean out basement drains and make sure they are accessible
2. Seal/tukcpoint masonry walls in basement if needed
3. Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18% to deter rot and mildew.
4. Humidifiers should be set at 60% reletive humidity or less
5. Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier (6 mil poly or equivilent)
6. Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
7. Make sure the sump pump properly discharges to an underground storm drain system (NOT SANITARY) or there is a drain hose that discharges a minimum of 10 feet from the foundation

Electrical Equipment

1. Test all GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
2. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
3. Unplug and remove any extension cords.

Mechanical Equipment

1. Clean or replace HVAC filter. (Make sure it is installed in the correct direction)
2. Clean the coil if there is an exterior A/C unit
3. Make sure there are no obstructions within 3 feet of the exterior A/C unit including vegetation
4. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
5. Replace humidifier evaporator (water panel) if it exists
6. Check that bathroom and kitchen vents are properly vented to the exterior of the home.
7. Clean out the dryer vent and make sure the damper door is in good working condition

Bathrooms

1. Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors, tub/surround, plumbing fixtures
2. Put all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub, shower, sinks) in proper working condition. Look for any leaks
3. Check all overflows in the sinks and tubs to make sure they are working properly
4. Make sure drain stoppers are in and in proper working order.
5. Check that toilets are secured to the floor and properly caulked around the base of the toilet.

Living Spaces

1. Test all smoke detectors. Make sure there is at least one smoke detector on each level of the home and in all bedrooms. Replace batteries in those that don’t work and retest.
2. Make sure you have at least one working Carbon Monoxide Detector on each floor of your home including the basement. This is a new Wisconsin law that went into effect February 1st, 2011.
3. Get all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including any cracked windows.
4. Remove any temporary wiring (extension cords)

Garages

1. Test the garage door to make sure it reverses properly
2. Make sure the electric eyes are within 4-6 inches from the floor
3. Unplug all temporary wiring (extension cords)
4. Make sure there is ready access to the electrical panel if it exists
5. Make sure all service doors in the garage are accessible