One of the keys to a smooth home inspection is making sure the inspector has access to all parts of the house. Here is a list that may be helpful for you in preparing your house for a home buyer’s inspection.  Many of these items can be done at little or no cost and are part of a regular maintenance program for any home.

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Pets

• Ensure that all pets are secured and or removed from the premises. The inspector reserves the right to cancel inspection if pets are deemed unsafe.

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Utilities

• Ensure that all the utilities are turned on before the inspector arrives. This includes: The Electricity, Water, & Gas if applicable.   Trip fees will apply if the inspector has to make an additional trip for disconnected utilities.

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Exterior

• Be sure all exterior doors are accessible and not blocked.

• Be sure all door locks are working properly.

• Be sure keys are available for all locked doors.

• Remove soil or mulch from contact with siding.   Six or more inches of clearance is best.

• Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from the foundation of the home.

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Interior

• Be sure all doorways and closets are accessible. The inspector is not required to move furniture, personal items.

• Ensure that all doors and windows are in proper operating condition, including repairing or replacing any cracked window panes.

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Heating and Air Conditioning

• Clean or replace heating and cooling filters, clean dirty air returns and plenum.

• Have the chimney, fireplace or wood stove serviced and provide a copy of the cleaning records.

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Electrical

• Be sure the main electrical panel and any sub-panels are not blocked.  (Very Common)

• Replace all burned out or missing light bulbs.

• Replace all broken and missing receptacle and switch cover plates.

• Ensure GFCI receptacles are functional.

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Plumbing

• Repair any known leaks and all malfunctioning components, i.e. loose faucet handles, inoperable sink stoppers and ventilation fans.

• Be sure access to the under sink plumbing is not blocked in Kitchens and Bathrooms.

• Ensure that all plumbing fixtures such as the toilet, tub, shower, and sinks are in proper working condition.

• Check bath vents to see if they are in working condition.

• Clear out areas under sinks so they can be inspected

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Basement, Crawl Spaces and Attics

• Remove all wood debris from the crawl space. (Very Common)

• Remove belongings that may be blocking and/or preventing entry to the attic and or crawlspace. The inspector is not required to move furniture, personal items.

• Check to ensure that the crawl space is dry and install a proper vapor barrier if necessary.

• Check crawl space and attics for pest animals.