A little preparation before inspection day can prevent delays, missed areas, and unnecessary back-and-forth. Here's a practical checklist.
Clear access points
Make sure the attic hatch, electrical panel, water heater, and any crawl space access are unobstructed. Move stored items away from these areas well before the inspector arrives.
Keep utilities on
Water, gas, and electricity all need to be active for the inspector to test appliances, plumbing fixtures, and HVAC equipment. A vacant home with utilities disconnected can result in an incomplete inspection.
Replace obvious maintenance items
Burnt-out light bulbs, dead smoke detector batteries, and HVAC filters that are visibly overdue are easy, low-cost fixes that avoid unnecessary flags on an otherwise clean report.
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Plan for pets
Arrange for pets to be secured or offsite during the inspection. It's safer for the animal, and it prevents delays if the inspector needs access to a room the pet is occupying.
Leave documentation out
If you have receipts or warranties for a new roof, water heater, or HVAC system, leave them accessible. It helps the inspector confirm age and condition faster and gives the buyer added confidence.
Key takeaways
- Clear access to the attic, panel, water heater, and crawl space before inspection day.
- Keep all utilities active so systems can be fully tested.
- Fix small, obvious items like dead batteries and overdue filters ahead of time.
- Secure pets and leave maintenance documentation accessible for the inspector.