Whether you’re staging your home for a pre-sale inspection or waiting until auction, properly preparing for home inspections is critical for determining closing costs and your moving timeline. House inspectors evaluate all aspects of the property’s condition and identify potential issues that could affect safety, functionality, or value—ultimately affecting both buyers and sellers trying to get the best final sale price. By following this guide to home inspection preparation and our checklist, you can streamline the inspection and even mitigate potential issues that might come up in the evaluation.
Make Exterior Home Improvements
Focusing on exterior home improvements through landscaping and structural adjustments effectively boosts curb appeal and helps sellers prepare for inspection day. Since the exterior is the first thing your inspector will notice, ensuring it’s in top shape is crucial. For a welcoming first impression, address aesthetic and safety concerns by doing the following:
- Check the foundation of your house for any cracks, and fill or repair with professionals as necessary.
- Ensure your roof is structurally sound and that shingles are in good condition.
- Repaint any peeling or faded areas on the siding and trim.
- Verify that exterior walls are straight and free of sagging.
- Look at bricks for any damage, ensuring there are no cracks in the joints.
- Clean gutters and downspouts, ensuring they drain properly and show no signs of decay.
- Ensure there are no leaks or odors around the septic tank.
- Check that all chimneys appear straight and free from damage—note concerns for the professional inspector.
- Ensure windows and door frames are square without chips or cracks.
- Make sure crawl spaces are easily accessible for the plumbing inspection.
- Inspect the condition of the detached garage, shed, fence, and deck, and repair rotted wood or eliminate termites.
- Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and clear away debris for a tidy appearance.
Prepare Attic Space
Preparing your attic for a home inspection by addressing potential issues is vital for a seamless process. Start by organizing your attic, clearing away any clutter to create easy access for your inspector. Continue to facilitate a thorough inspection and demonstrate the care you’ve invested in maintaining your living space with the following steps:
- Perform or hire a contractor for a roof insulation inspection to find gaps and ensure even distribution.
- Look for moisture in the attic with signs of leaks, water damage, or mold on rafters and ceilings.
- Check electrical wiring for safety best practices, ensuring it’s properly secured and up to code.
- Ensure hatches and doors function properly, and consider labeling them.
- Inspect heating and cooling ducts for any visible damage or disconnections.
- Check for signs of rodents or insects, such as droppings or nests.
- Flag sagging beams or any signs of structural issues for the home inspector to investigate.
Investigate Interior Rooms
Keeping your interior clean, tidy, and accessible before home inspection day will help showcase your property’s best features. Decluttering your home will help you stay organized while in this transition period, as well as make the inspector’s job easier and set a positive impression on potential buyers. Prepare for inspections by focusing on these steps:
- Remove non-essential items from countertops, shelves, and floors to create a spacious feel.
- Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and mop floors to ensure a spotless environment.
- Ensure all light switches and bulbs function—and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
- Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors aren’t expired, are locatable, and function properly.
- Ensure all windows and doors open and latch smoothly and that their screens have no holes.
- Keep your basement free of moisture and water damage, and ensure accessible faucets work properly.
- Neatly arrange closets to demonstrate storage space and organization.
- Increase home value by investing in bathroom updates or kitchen renovations—and ensure they’re finished for the house inspection and/or open house.
- Clean the fireplace flue, and check the fireplace for cracks.
Maintain Household Appliances
Having appliances in working order can significantly influence the inspector’s assessment of your home’s overall condition. Functioning appliances reduce home repair costs and signal that the house has been well-cared for. Here are key tasks for home appliance maintenance before inspection day:
- Clean the exterior and interior of all appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher.
- Test each appliance to ensure its various features and settings operate correctly.
- Change or clean filters in the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.
- If applicable, defrost the freezer to ensure it’s functioning efficiently.
- Ensure connections are secure and leak-free, particularly for dishwashers and washing machines.
- Check for any wear or damage to hoses, cords, and connections.
Inspect Plumbing Systems
A well-maintained plumbing system is essential for a clean, functional, and comfortable home—and getting a professional to inspect your pipelines can help ensure a safe water supply and healthier waste disposal, increasing buyer confidence. Get your systems ready for the home plumbing inspection by making sure to:
- Estimate the age and material of all piping in the home.
- Inspect all visible pipes, faucets, and fixtures for any signs of leaks or water damage.
- Ensure adequate water pressure by running taps and observing flow consistency.
- Verify that sinks, tubs, and toilets drain properly without slowdowns or backups.
- Clear any debris from drains and check for potential blockages in the plumbing system.
- Examine outdoor faucets for leaks or damage—especially during colder months.
- Check the water heater for any leaks, rust, or unusual noises.
- Clear supply lines to appliances of water.
Service HVAC Systems
Inspecting and servicing your HVAC systems before your home inspection is essential, as it impacts energy efficiency and overall comfort and safety. A thorough heating and cooling inspection can significantly enhance living conditions, especially in areas with extreme temperatures. Use these tips to get your systems up to speed before HVAC evaluation:
- Look for leaks or disconnections in ductwork.
- Replace dirty air filters to improve airflow and indoor air quality.
- Run heating and cooling systems to ensure they operate without issue.
- Assign an independent inspector to professionally test for signs of asbestos.
- Examine the furnace, air conditioner, and heating pump for any signs of wear.
- Clear any blockages in condensate drain lines to prevent water damage.
- Record the age of the equipment and its cleaning history.
- Check and calibrate the thermostat.
Examine Electrical Outlets
Undergoing an electrical wiring inspection is vital to preparing for a home inspection, as it significantly contributes to the home’s safety and functionality. Properly connected outlets help eliminate potential electrical hazards and ensure compliance with safety codes. Consider these helpful ideas to correct issues like exposed wires and improper cable attachments:
- Ensure outlets are securely attached, and look for loose wiring.
- Determine if outlets are overloaded with plugged-in devices.
- Confirm that outlets are properly grounded, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Consider updating old two-prong outlets to three-prong grounded outlets.
- Check that all electrical components are up to code, and implement updates as needed.
- Conduct an electrical panel inspection to see if it has the standard capacity with correctly attached cables.
- Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to ensure they trip and reset correctly.
- Label your fuse box for easier inspection.
***
Preparing for a home inspection? With convenient self storage facilities located throughout the U.S., Extra Space Storage can safely store your excess items during your move. Find a storage unit near you!
