Dave Your Home Inspector

Pre-list inspections are really beginning to gain popularity.  With any market conditions, it makes sense to do everything possible to get an advantage over other homes on the market.  A pre-list inspection is the perfect way to get that ‘Leg Up’.

A pre-list inspection is virtually the same as a pre-purchase inspection except for the timing.  This inspection is normally performed before or in conjunction with listing the home on the market.  This gives the seller an unbiased, in-depth look at their house by a licensed professional.  By accomplishing this before the home is listed, it gives the seller a chance to address any issues that are found before the home goes under contract.  It shows a potential buyer that the seller has gone the extra mile to make sure they are selling a quality home.

Below is a summed up list of what we look at during our inspection. 

Exterior Components

• Grading & landscaping and their effects on the foundation.
• General condition of siding, trim, windows and storms/screens.
• Condition of roof, chimney, flashings, and any other roof items.
• Condition of gutters & downspouts and their effectiveness.
• Driveway, patio, deck, porch and sidewalk conditions.
• Condition of air conditioner condenser unit.

Interior Components

• General condition of walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors.
• All visible fixtures, pipes, valves and drains in the plumbing system tested or inspected for proper operation and installation.
• Electrical System including service entrance wiring, service panel and visible wiring inspected.  Random testing of outlets.
• Furnace and components operated and checked for proper sequencing, cleanliness, improper maintenance or the lack of maintenance.
• Inspect the attic for damage to visible roof sheeting & framing, and for proper ventilation & insulation.
• Foundation for defects and evidence of moisture penetration.

You should be prepared for the inspection to last upwards of two hours depending on the size, age and general condition of the home.

Even if the buyers decide to get their own inspection, you will have the confidence going into contract negotiations knowing the home you are selling does not have any hidden secrets.  If you are planning to sell your home and you desire that boost of confidence in your real estate transaction, call About Your Home Inspection, Inc. today to set up your pre-list inspection.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

The most important thing you can do to prepare your home for an inspection is make sure all areas of the home are easily accessed by the home inspector.  Most insurance carriers, including ours, do not allow inspectors or their clients to move the occupant’s belongings.  If the inspector cannot gain access to a particular area or system of the house, that portion of the inspection can not be performed.  This generally makes home buyers uneasy because the inspector is not able to give them complete information on the home they are purchasing. 

Some of the areas that are commonly not accessible are:

• Attic entrance
• Electric panel
• Under sinks
• Garage
• Crawl space 

Don’t leave anything to the buyer’s imagination. 

Some other good ideas are to make sure light bulbs are not burned out in fixtures.  If the light switch is turned on and the light doesn’t work, it cannot be assumed that the light bulb is burned out.  You may also want to check smoke detectors for proper operation and make sure fresh batteries are installed.  

Speaking of smoke detectors, did you know there is a law in Illinois that requires the installation of CO detectors?  If there is not a CO detector within 15’ of sleeping areas, you should install one.  

Paying attention to the details of your home will make the inspection go much smoother.