Why Preparing for your Home Report Matters

If you're selling your home, the Home Report is a crucial document that provides potential buyers with key details about your property. A Chartered Surveyor will visit your home to assess its condition, determine its value, and compile the necessary documentation.

Ensuring your property is well-prepared for this visit can help present it in the best possible light and avoid any unnecessary red flags that could impact marketability.

Rectifying Minor Issues Before the Survey

While rectifying major structural repairs may not be feasible before the Home Report inspection, taking care of minor cosmetic and maintenance issues can make a significant difference. Addressing small problems before the Surveyor arrives can help ensure your property is assessed as favourably as possible.

You should consider the following:

  • Redecorate areas with historic staining – water stains on ceilings or walls, even if long since resolved, can raise concerns

  • Replace or refresh sealant around showers and baths – old or mouldy sealant can give the impression of poor maintenance

  • Check for minor repairs – loose door handles, dripping taps, and cracked sockets may not impact valuation significantly, but they do contribute to the perception of how well a home has been maintained

  • Clear gutters and drains – blocked gutters can indicate potential maintenance issues, so ensuring they are clear will help make a good impression

Providing Access to All Areas

The surveyor will need access to all relevant parts of the property to complete their assessment. Ensuring accessibility is key to avoiding delays or incomplete reports.

Before the visit you should:

  • Ensure access to the loft/attic – if your property has an attic, make sure the hatch is accessible and, if possible, provide a ladder

  • Unlock garages and outhouses – if these are part of the property being sold, they need to be inspected

  • Clear obstructions – if there are areas of the property that are difficult to reach, consider moving furniture or stored items in advance

  • Locate keys for windows and doors – if the surveyor needs to check external access points, having keys readily available will be helpful

The Impact of Presentation

While the tidiness of your home does not directly impact its valuation, it’s worth remembering that Surveyors are only human. A clean, well-presented space can create a more favourable impression, ensuring that attention is focused on the property’s structure and condition rather than unnecessary distractions.

Taking the extra step to present your home well could help in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for the Chartered Surveyor’s visit doesn’t require extensive renovations, but small proactive steps can make a meaningful difference.

Ensuring minor issues are rectified, providing clear access to all necessary areas, and taking care with presentation can all contribute to a smoother valuation process.

With the right preparation, you can help ensure that your Home Report reflects your property in the best possible light, making your journey to market as seamless as possible.