I’ve been told by many home inspectors that there are issues that might come up during an inspection and to avoid any problems with potential buyers you should maybe have a look at the some of the items and repair/replace as required.
Whether your home is old or newer, there are always a few things that just might not meet the buyers’ requirements and can either make or break a deal. 
Here are some items for you to check:

• Fix any leaky faucets.
• Ensure that your furnace and air conditioner are serviced and have a receipt available – this will re-assure the buyers that you have looked after those items.  If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s working well and if it’s a wood fireplace, get a WETT certificate from your chimney cleaner.
• If you have an older home – have an electrician provide you with an ESA certificate confirming that all the electrical is top notch.  If there are any deficiencies – have them repaired immediately.
• Replace burned out light bulbs or defective light fixtures.
• If appliances are to be sold with the house, make sure that the are clean and operational
• Ensure that there are no items around the furnace, electrical panel, water heater.  Ensure that the inspector has easy access to the attic.  Ensure that sheds, garage, etc. doors are unlocked or a key left out.
• Ensure that the eavestroughs are cleaned and downspouts are should be free of debris and downspouts should run away from the foundation.   Add extensions if required.   Cut any tree branches that area near the roof line, trim any scrubs that are too close to the house.
• Ensure that all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.
• Ensure that all screens are available for all the windows. Repair torn screens, cracked windows or those that have broken seals.
• Ensure that the electrical panel is labeled for easy identification.
• Ensure that all caulking is refreshed, if required.
• Ensure that your skylights are clean, that there are no water stains (if needed repair and paint).
• Ensure that all the ceilings look good.  If there’s been a water problem, repair and repaint.
• Ensure all bathroom ceiling fans are clean and working – replace, if required.
• Ensure that the foundation has no water infiltration issues – if so, repair and have on hand documentation or warranty. 
• Ensure that if there’s any wood in contact with soil – check for rot and repair.  Check your fences at the same time.
• Ensure that snow from porch, decks, driveway, walkways, patios  has been cleared.  Ensure that the foundation can be easily inspected during winter months. 

BE PREPARED!  For additional information contact:  Irene at 613.858.1151 or email her at [email protected]