Looking to hire an inspector?

10 Ways to Prepare for a Home Inspection

1. Clean debris from gutters and roof

2. Caulk around windows and doors

3. Seal asphalt driveway

4. Clean HVAC filters

5. Seal basement walls

6. Clean the chimney

7. Replace burned out light bulbs

8. Have all documentation on hand for recent repairs and inspections

9. Remove firewood from contact with the house

10. Clear access to attic, crawl space, and garage

TIP: Encourage sellers to resist the impulse to make quick, cheap repairs before an inspection. You may raise a question that produces undue concern with the buyers. —Gloria Isackson, The Real Estate Professional, Wellesley Publishing,May/June 2000

The 10 Most Common Home Inspection Problems

1. Faulty wiring—open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, no wire nuts on wires.

The cure: Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps.

2. Poor grading and drainage—spongy soil around the foundation, signs of leaking in basement.

The cure: Regrade so that grounds slopes away from house for 10 feet; remove porous material around foundation.

3. Faulty gutters—clogged or bent gutters, water not channeled away from house.

The cure: Preventive maintenance; gutters of adequate size, splash pans to divert run-off.

4. Basement dampness—water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew.

The cure: Repair gutters to channel water away from house; apply waterproof coatings to basement.

5. Roof problems—brittle or curled shingles; broken or missing flashings.

The cure: Apply new shingle, or tear off if needed (usually after three re-roofs ); replacing flashings, especially around chimneys and other protrusions.

6. Foundation flaws—cracks in foundation, sloping floors, sticking doors or windows.

The cure: Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy; apply waterproof coating to exterior.

7. Poor upkeep—needs repainting, worn carpeting, cracked driveway.

The cure: Give the house a minor facelift.

8. Faulty plumbing—inadequate water pressure, slow drains, signs of leaks on ceilings.

The cure: Clean and rout drains; reseat toilet with new wax ring, repair leaks.

9. Poor ventilation—extreme heat in attic, vapor condensation.

The cure: Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked; install additional roof vents; vent bathroom and kitchen fans outside.

10. Defective heating—cracks in the heat exchanger or water tank; carbon monoxide leaks.

The cure: Reseal chimney flues; replace sacrificial anode in water heater.

TIP: Buyers can get extra protection and piece of mind by purchasing a home warranty insurance policy. Such policies may also be a way for sellers to protect themselves from post-sale claims by buyers for defects undetected in home inspections.

TIP: Between 84 percent and 86 percent of buyers requested a home inspection before making a purchase, according to the National Association of Home Inspectors