Pre-List Tips to Avoid Winter Inspection Limitations

Provided by Alpine Building Performance

It’s hard to believe, but the first frost is right around the corner, and so are winter inspections. As temperatures drop, some areas of the home become difficult or even impossible to inspect. To help you plan ahead, here are three of the most common cold weather inspection limitations to keep in mind this season.

Winter Inspection Items:

A/C Units

• While a delectable luxury in the hot summers, A/C units cannot be operated in temps below 65°F.
• This industry standard limitation prevents risking damage to the components due to the viscosity of the oil in the compressor.
• Not only will you extend the life of the unit while living there, but you’ll set your buyers’ minds at ease for their future move-in.

Roofs and Exteriors

• Snow covered roofs and exterior surfaces cannot be visually inspected, which can cause delays in the selling process as a whole.
• Ensuring you have regularly scheduled cleaning of all snow-jammed exterior surfaces can make a huge impact for your visual curb appeal as well!

Landscape Irrigation Systems

• One of the first items to be inspected by your buyers—no matter the season—are your landscape irrigation systems and exterior hose bibs, and that means prepping them for winter.
• Ideally they will be winterized to protect them, but that means they cannot be tested.
• While inspection of the landscape irrigation is beyond the scope of a home inspection, buyers often want confirmation that they operate correctly — which isn’t possible during the winter months.

How to Get Ahead Before the Cold Sets In

If you know you have a listing coming up, these steps can help ensure a smooth inspection process:

• Have the unit professionally serviced by an HVAC technician and request a written report confirming operation. Be sure to schedule this before temps drop below 65°F, since HVAC pros face the same temperature restriction.
• Arrange a pre-inspection by a reputable roofing contractor. A photo report showing the roof’s condition provides valuable documentation. Unless major storms occur, it’s a solid reference for buyers.
• Test the landscape irrigation system before it’s winterized. Even a few photos or a quick video can serve as helpful proof of proper operation.

We don’t always have the luxury of foresight, but this is one time you can as long as you have enough lead time on the listing. With these tips, you, the buyers and the inspector will all be impressed!

Winter Inspections Don’t Have to Derail Your Sale

With these great tips from Alpine Building Performance and the help from one of our experienced brokers, selling your home in the winter is not only possible but exciting! We are here to support you during your journey, and are excited to see your home sell. Contact us today to get your home listed!