What to Expect From A Home Inspection And How to Prepare

Declutter Inside and Out

The inspector will need to access just about every nook and cranny of your home, from crawlspaces to closets. Take some time to clean up your home’s interior, exterior, and yard to ensure easy access to:

• Basement
• Attic
• Sinks and faucets
• Furnaces and HVAC units

Move furniture, toys, plants, or anything else that might obstruct their path. A clutter-free home makes the inspector’s job easier—and leaves a lasting impression.

Label Your Fuse Box

A well-organized and clearly labeled fuse box is a small but impactful touch when preparing for a home inspection. It helps the inspector investigate your electrical system and shows you’re a proactive homeowner who keeps things in order. 

Prepare Your HVAC 

Your heating and cooling system is a critical component of the inspection. When preparing for home inspection success, ensure your HVAC system is good to go by:

Replacing air filters: A fresh air filter shows you care about maintaining good air quality and the system itself.

Cleaning vents: Dusty or clogged vents can raise concerns. Give them a quick clean to keep them looking—and functioning—their best. 

Scheduling maintenance: If it’s been a while, consider having your HVAC unit professionally serviced before the inspection. Regular HVAC tune-ups can address potential issues and improve efficiency. 

Inspect the Roof

Your roof will be under close scrutiny. Get ahead of potential issues by:

Clearing leaves and debris: Use a broom or pressure washer to remove leaves, twigs, fallen branches, or other debris from your rooftop and gutters. 

Unclogging downspouts: Spray a garden house into the downspout to ensure a steady stream of water is coming from the bottom. If the water backs up into the gutter, you should work to clear any blockages before the inspector arrives. 

Replacing damaged shingles: Don’t let a loose or missing shingle raise a red flag. Quickly repair or replace any signs of trouble to keep your sale on track.

Check Your Light Bulbs

Inspectors will test light switches throughout your home. When preparing for your home inspection, check that all of the light bulbs are in good working order and replace any that have gone out. 

Look for Leaks

Your plumbing has countless potential leak points throughout the home, and these leaks can lead to costly repairs—and red flags for inspectors. Preparing for a home inspection is the perfect time to scour your home for leaks, especially in the most common places. That includes:

• Under your sinks: Look underneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks for leakage. Pay close attention to the floor and bottom of the cabinets for signs of water damage. 
• Near appliances: Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, dehumidifiers—your home likely has multiple appliances with the potential for costly leaks. Check the floor and walls near these appliances to determine whether a leak may be present. 

While you’re at it, visually inspect all walls, ceilings, floors, and your home exterior. Be on the lookout for discoloration, mold, and warping—they’re all potential signs of a moisture problem!

Tidy Up Your Appliances

Appliances play a big role in how to prepare for a home inspection, as inspectors will check their condition and functionality. Make sure yours are inspection-ready with these tips:

• Clean thoroughly: Wipe down your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and other appliances to remove grime and fingerprints. A clean appliance leaves a positive impression.
• Check connections: Ensure water lines, power cords, and other connections are secure and functioning properly.
• Test functionality: Run your dishwasher, stove, or washing machine before the inspection to confirm everything works as it should.

Manage Pests

You never want pests inside your home, but you certainly don’t want them while an inspector is around. Take precautions to stomp out issues with mice, rats, cockroaches, wasps, and any other unwanted visitors who may have made your house their home.