Thorough, Objective, Reasonable Real Estate Inspections
Available 7 Days a Week
Professional real estate inspections in the San Antonio area. Home inspections for the buyer, seller, and for the homeowner.
Larry Wedige
Texas Professional Real Estate Inspector License # 6060
Pre-Listing/Inspection tips
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 maintained.
1. Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or more inches of clearance.
2. Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
3. Divert all water away from house, i.e. downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc. Grade should slope away from structure.
4. Remove rotting wood, firewood from contact with house.
5. Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
6. Remove grade from contact with foundation vents.
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.
10. Clean and service chimney, fireplace. (provide a copy for buyer).
11. Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal flue cap.
12. Re-point any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
13. Have heat/ac system serviced by a professional. (provide a copy for buyer).
14. Clean or replace AC filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
15. Peroxide in sump pump or condensate drain will reduce odors and bacteria.
16. Put all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including repairing any non-functioning locks andcracked windows.
17. Test all smoke detectors, install CO detectors if needed.
18. Install GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas, test all existing GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
19. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
20. Check that bath vents are properly vented to the exterior of the house (not into the attic).
21. Put all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for any visible leaks.
22. Check that toilets are secure to floor.
23. Caulk all tub/shower fixtures.
24. Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors.
25. Update attic ventilation if none is present.
26. Don't do quick cheap repairs (i.e. giant caulk repairs), this will clue in an Inspector that amateur work has been done and will tend to make him/her look closer at the house.
27. Have clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems, garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
28. If house is vacant be sure all utilities are turned on:
ˆ Water
ˆ Electric
ˆ Water Heater
ˆ Furnace / Air Conditioning
ˆ Breakers in main panel