INSPECTION PREP FOR HOME SELLERS
Preparing to sell your home? A successful home inspection is a critical step, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress. Our comprehensive guide is designed to help Dallas-Fort Worth area homeowners like you navigate the process with confidence. We'll walk you through key areas of your property, from the foundation to the roof, providing essential tips to proactively address potential issues. By preparing your home in advance, you can minimize surprises, streamline the sale, and secure the best possible outcome. Let us empower you with the knowledge and resources you need for a smooth and successful home inspection.
Check these items BEFORE listing your home:
Foundation / Grading & Drainage
Corner Pops (slab)
Exposed post-tension cable ends
Foliage & Trees touching home
High soil levels (4" space min.)
Debris in gutters
Missing splash blocks (or turned the wrong way)
Gutters terminating next to foundation
Missing elbows or down spouts
Roof Condition, Structure & Attic
How well does your attic breathe?
Exposed fasteners, plumbing boots, vents and ridge cap shingles
Missing kickout flashings
Damaged or missing shingles
Missing, damaged or insufficent insulation
Attic access ladder - harware loose or missing
Moisture damaged or deteriorating fascia/soffit trim
Interior Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Doors & Stairways
Evidence of water penetration
Seam tape that is cracked,bulging or loose
Cracks in walls & ceilings
Missing/loose harware on doors
Doors rubbing/sticking in frames
Doors not latching
Missing door stops
Garage to living spaces - entry doors missing, self-closing devices
Garage to living spaces - entry doors not being fire rated
Exterior Walls, Windows & Doors
Rusted lintels (steel plates) above windows & doors
Wood/fiber cement boards or trim needing caulked/sealed on walls or around doors/windows
Moisture damaged/deteriorated wood trim around corners, doors & windows
Missing/damaged window screens
Windows stiff & hard to open
Failed seals on windows
Missing/loose weather stripping on doors
Caulking around windows
HVAC: Ducts, Chases, Vents, Equipment
Change your air filter before your home goes active on MLS!
Inadequate temperature differential between supply air & return air
Missing insulation on exterior piping & on condensate drain lines
Condensor or A-coils: dirty or rusted
Dirty filters - evidence of lack of proper maintenance
PLUMBING
Missing anti-siphon & hose bibs (exterior faucets)
Leaking hose bib valve handles
Loose/leaking faucets/shower heads
Loose or leaking toilets/toilet seats
Tubs & shower surrounds needing caulking/sealant
Leak under sinks
Poor or slow drainage at sinks, shower & tubs
Missing or inoperable drain stops
WATER HEATERS
Code Requirements: Missing pan under water heater
Flexible or improper piping on temperature pressure relief valve(TPRV)
Leaking or inoperabe TPRV
Corrosion at plumbing connections
ELECTRICAL
Missing panel labeling indicating which breaker services which part of the home
Missing knock out covers
Missing arc-fault circuit interrupters(AFCI) breakers
Missing surge protection
Neutrals/grounds under same lug in panel box
Old/outdated main panel boxes that have known issues (Federal Pacific Electric, Zinsco, Sylvan)
Branch Circuits, Connected Devices & Fixtures
Missing ground fault interrupters(GFCI)in all required locations
Faulty GFCI's
Loose, broken or damaged receptacles(outlets)
Reversed polarity in receptacles (wired wrong)
Exterior receptacles missing waterproof covering
Tamper resistant receptacles
Missing cover plates on receptacles & junction boxes
Missing light globes
Lights not illuminating
Non-working door bell chimes
Old or missing smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
Appliances & Garage Door Operations
Dryer Exhaust System
Screens on dryer exhaust
Lint build up in dryer duct
Vents sealed to exterior
Ducts not made of metal with a smooth interior finish from wall to termination
Garage Door Operations
Manual locks not disabled on door if a mechanical garage door opener is installed
Sensor eye greater than 6" from floor or missing
Auto reverse not working
Pools & Sprinkler Systems
Pools & Spas
Structure & Decking: visible cracks, damage, or wear and tear on the pool shell, deck and coping
Proper drainage to prevent water from pooling on the deck (slip hazard)
Electrical components (like pumps, heaters, and lights): Properly bonded and grounded to prevent electrical shocks. They also check that underwater lights and nearby outlets have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) protection and that all wiring is secure and free from corrosion.
Plumbing and Equipment: Leaks in visible plumbing, assess the condition of equipment like the pump, filter, and heater, and ensure all are functioning properly
Safety Features: A key part of the inspection is verifying that safety barriers, such as fences, gates, and alarms, are in compliance with local codes. Are gates self-latching and do any doors leading from the home to the pool area have child alarms?
Sprinkler Systems
Properly installed backflow prevention device to ensure that contaminated water from the sprinkler system does not flow back into the home's potable water supply
Visible leaks in the system's pipes and sprinkler heads
Functionality: are all zones working correctly, is tjere adequate water pressure and coverage?
Heads & Zones: # zones in the overall system, placement and condition of the sprinkler heads, broken or clogged heads
Drainage to prevent water waste and potential foundation damage
LIFELONG REAL ESTATE CAREER
1997-2002: REALTOR® Assistantant
2002-2007: Full-Time REALTOR®
2008-2016: Home Warranty, Field Sales
+ Part-time REALTOR®
2017-2019: Home Warranty, TX Sales Mgr.
2020 - Now: Full-Time REALTOR®
I have seen hundreds of inspection reports in my career and have successfully helped both buyers and sellers navigate through challenging repair situations.
Need a reliable contractor in the DFW Metroplex?
This "living list" contains all types of trades from roofers, plumbers, HVAC,
pools and sprinklers to mortgage and insurance agents.
REVIEWS
PH Luke
Thao Vinh
Steve Gage
