A Northern Virginia home inspection can be a bit intimidating. You definitely want to prepare correctly. Unfortunately, a problematic inspection can cause delays in getting your home sold. First, I recommend you have your realtor do the walk through with you. Above all, a fresh and professional set of eyes will notice things you that you otherwise would not.

You can find all the details of what Northern Virginia home inspections are looking for HERE on page 16 of the licensing regulations.

“READILY ACCESSIBLE”

Northern Virginia home inspectors are only required to inspect items that are “readily accessible”. Therefore, they are not required to move personal property for access. Many times, due to liability issues they will not. This means that during an inspection they can deem an item not “readily accessible” or they will stop and get ahold of the listing agent to attempt to get access. Both solutions can cause delays in the home selling process. Therefore, you should ensure that anything that needs to be inspected is easily accessed.

WALKING THROUGH EACH ROOM

• Are the following working and intact: Light bulbs, fire alarms, electrical outlets, ceiling fans, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, door handles?
• Do windows open and close? Are locks working? Do the blinds functioning properly?
• Are closet doors on and easily opened and closed?
• Are doors sticking?

KITCHEN:

• Do all of your appliances work?
• Does disposal work? Is it easily accessible? Have you covered all wires?
• Does your drain work efficiently?
• Have you properly secured pipes?
• Are microwave and oven vented outside the home?
• Lastly, did you remove dishes from sink and dishwasher?

BATHROOMS:

• Are toilets flushable and free from running?
• Do sinks, showers and drains work correctly? Do drain plugs installed and working?
• Are pipes secured properly?
• Are ceiling fans working correctly?
• Does grout or caulk need to be updated?

SYSTEMS

• Do you have a clean filter installed?
• Is water heater up to code?
• Does the HVAC run correctly?

ACCESS

• Is there easy access to your attic, basement, and electric panel?

EXTERIOR:

• Have gardens and trees been cut back to allow easy home access?
• Do garage doors work correctly? Are openers available?
• Are downspouts and gutters installed properly and cleaned?
• Do you have railings on the deck, porch and patio tightly secured?
• Are roofing materials, siding and flashing properly installed and in good condition?

LAUNDRY ROOM:

• Remove laundry from washer and dryer and ensure both are working properly.  

I recommend cleaning well. One benefit will be that it ensures you do not miss anything. It also provides a better environment for the inspector. Lastly, if you are having an appraisal done, it will be important anyway.

As your Northern Virginia real estate agent, I will happily walk through your home with you. I remember as a buyer getting my inspection report back and thinking “Wow, this is so much”. Immediately, I launched into negotiation mode. I am determined to help my clients avoid this by ensuring the best inspection results possible. Give me a call at 703-969-4677. If you are not getting a Northern Virginia home inspection, I will happily refer you to an agent who can assist!