Selling Your Home? How to Pass Your Garage Home Inspection #
Selling your home can be an exciting yet exhausting process. The anticipation of a new adventure makes moving fun, but packing up everything, making calls to the realtor, and coordinating with the moving company can feel overwhelming. One crucial step you must not overlook is calling the home inspector. The inspector’s job is to ensure every part of your home, including the garage and its door system, meets safety and code standards. As the largest moving part of your home, the garage door must pass inspection before the inspector can sign off on the report. Here are several key elements to focus on for a successful garage door system inspection.
Safety Eyes #
Safety eyes, or photoelectric sensors, are essential for garage door safety. Mounted near the bottom of the door tracks, these sensors emit an invisible beam across the door’s opening. If this beam is interrupted by a person, pet, or object while the door is closing, the sensors signal the opener to reverse the door’s movement. Since 1993, all garage door openers in the U.S. must include safety eyes. If your current opener lacks this feature, you must replace it to pass inspection. Safety eyes should be installed 3 to 6 inches from the ground to ensure they detect even small objects and initiate the door’s reversal.
Wall Control Panel #
The wall control panel, typically located inside the garage near an entry door, includes buttons for operating the door and setting various functions. To ensure safety, the control panel should be mounted at least 5 feet above the ground, keeping it out of reach of children who might play with it.
Safety Reversal #
Garage doors are designed to reverse if they encounter an obstruction while closing. To test this feature, an inspector might place a 2×4 piece of wood in the door’s path. If the door touches the wood and doesn’t immediately reverse, it will fail the inspection.
Garage Door Balance #
A well-balanced garage door is crucial for the longevity of your opener and the safety of its operation. Springs carry the door’s weight, and if they are worn or improperly sized, the door may be difficult to open or close. An inspector will test the balance by disengaging the opener and manually moving the door. A properly balanced door should feel light and remain stable in various positions without additional support.
Grounded Outlet #
Garage door openers must be plugged directly into a grounded outlet. Using an extension cord is a fire hazard and will result in a failed inspection. Ensure your opener has a dedicated outlet nearby.
Safety Cables #
If your garage door uses an extension spring system, safety cables are essential. These cables run through the springs and contain them if they break, preventing injury or damage. Without safety cables, your garage door system will not pass inspection.
Bottom Rubber and Weather Seal #
The bottom rubber and weather seal help prevent air, dirt, bugs, and pests from entering the garage. They also improve energy efficiency by reducing air infiltration. Inspectors will check these seals to ensure they are intact and effective.
Overall Condition of the Garage Door #
The inspector will also examine the overall condition of the garage door, looking for dents, rust, broken windows, and other damage. Ensuring your door is in good working order will prevent safety and security issues and help the selling process go smoothly.
Preparing for Inspection #
Understanding what inspectors look for can help you prepare your garage for a complete inspection, ensuring a smoother selling process and preventing delays. By addressing these elements, you can make your home more appealing to buyers and avoid pushing back closing dates.
