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What to Expect From A Home Inspection And How to Prepare
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What to Expect From A Home Inspection And How to Prepare

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Preparing for a home inspection doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right prep, some home inspection tips, and a solid understanding of what to expect, you’ll breeze through the process and be one step closer to selling your home.

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Getting ready to sell your home and wondering how to prepare for a home inspection? Let’s walk through everything you need to know to address potential concerns before they become issues and ace your upcoming inspection. 

Let’s Start With the Basics 

A home inspection is a critical step in the home-selling process, designed to protect buyers against unexpected surprises. Typically performed before closing, inspections for home buyers uncover potential deal-breakers or allow for repairs to be negotiated ahead of the sale. While not always required, many lenders and buyers insist on a home inspection for peace of mind, making it a smart move to prepare your home in advance.

For sellers, opting for a pre-listing home inspection can offer a significant advantage. By addressing concerns upfront, you can prevent delays and strengthen your negotiating position. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or replacing damaged shingles, tackling these tasks while preparing for a home inspection and before listing creates a smoother sales process.

What to Expect During A Home Inspection

With that in mind, a home inspector should make every effort to identify significant issues. While they won’t necessarily make notes on the style of architecture or whether or not the paint colors are in fashion, they should meticulously review your home’s structural integrity, major systems, and appliances to ensure everything is in good working order.

Here’s a quick look at what they should assess:

How to Prepare For A Home Inspection: 8 Tips for Success

If your home inspection is coming up, a little preparation can go a long way.  Now is the time to make minor repairs and adjustments for a glowing inspection report. Follow these home inspection tips to present your home in the best possible light: 

1

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.

2

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. 

3

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. 

4

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.

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5

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. 

6

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!

7

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.
8

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.

Help Protect Your Home And Systems With American Home Shield

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that old saying applies to your home as well. The better you maintain your home and the systems within it, the more you can save money down the line. 

With over 50 years of experience and a national network of trusted and independent Pros, AHS has helped millions of homeowners address repair costs and protect their most valuable investment. 

Ready to make your home more attractive to potential buyers? Let’s talk about how a home warranty can help set your listing apart and keep everything in good working order.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.

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