Heartland Building Inspections
Providing professional home and building inspections Since 1989
We offer a 5% discount when you order on-line
573-431-7197 or 1-800-246-6564
Prepare your house for a Home Inspection
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, a pride of ownership
1. Remove grade (dirt) 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. Clean out basement entry drains.
4. Trim trees, roots and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding, and chimney.
5. Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors.
6. Seal asphalt / concrete driveways and walkways if cracking.
7. Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal flue cap / spark arrester.
8. Clean FAU and clean or replace filter. Clean dirty air returns and plenum.
Have HVAC serviced. (provide a copy service to buyer).
9. Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
10. Test all smoke detectors, add to sleeping rooms if necessary.
11. Update or clear attic ventilation, check all screens.
12. Clean & service chimney, fireplace, or woodstove (provide a copy service to buyer).
13. Seal masonry walls in basement if old stains are present.
14. Don't do quick cheap repairs, i.e. (giant caulk repairs) this will clue the Inspector that amateur work
has been done and will tend to make him/her look closer at the house.
15. Put all windows and doors in proper operating condition (clean / oil).
Replace cracked, broken or dbl. pane windows with bad seals.
16. Put all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for any visible leaks.
17. Install GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas, test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
18. Check sump pump for proper operation and inspect condition of crock (pit) and drain-tile if present.
19. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
20. Remove rotting wood, firewood from contact with house.
21. Proper grading recommended under deck, check filter cloth and gravel.
22. Peroxide in sump pump or condensate drain will reduce odors and bacteria.
23. Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
24. Caulk all tub/shower fixtures, check all are not loose on deck / wall.
25. Caulk along tub / floor, tub / walls, tub / shower / glass doors.
26. Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier.
Remove any visible moisture and debris from crawlspace.
Moisture levels in wood should be below 20%, to deter rot and mildew.
27. Check that bath vents are properly vented (and not noisy).
28. Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
29. Check that toilets are secure to floor.
30. Check that toilet are not leaking or cracked.
31. Where windows are at or below grade install window wells and covers.
32. Remove grade from contact with foundation vents.
33. Have clear access to all attic, crawlspace, heat systems,
garage and other areas that will need to be inspected.
34. If house is vacant be sure all utilities are turned on :
• Water
• Electric
• Water Heater
• Furnace / Air Conditioning
• Breakers in main panel
35. Be aware of product failures such as;
EIFS (Synthetic Stucco),
Aluminum Wiring, Polybutylene,
FPE Panels, (Federal Pacific Stab-Lok)
Omega Sprinlker Heads,
FRT Plywood.
.Call today 573-431-7197 to schedule your inspections or Clink here to submit an online quote.