How to Prepare Your Home for a Home Inspection

A home inspection is an important part of the real estate process, and a little preparation can help make the inspection go much more smoothly.

Whether you're selling your home or preparing for an inspection requested by a buyer, the goal isn't to make the house perfect. It's to make sure the inspector can safely access and evaluate the home's major systems and components.

Here are some simple ways to get your home inspection-ready.

Make Sure the Utilities Are On

Electricity, water, and gas should be on at the time of the inspection. The inspector will typically operate plumbing fixtures, electrical components, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters, appliances, and other permanently installed systems.

If utilities or individual systems are turned off, portions of the inspection may be limited. Check that electrical panel, if a breaker is off, an inspector will not turn it back on.

Provide Access to the Important Areas

One of the most common inspection limitations is simply not being able to reach something.

Make sure there is clear access to:

• Electrical panels - allow 3' of access in front

• Water heaters

• Furnaces and HVAC equipment

• Attic entrances - make sure stairs can be pulled down

• Crawlspace entrances

• Plumbing beneath sinks - move any personal items

• Fireplaces - provide remote if able

• Garage door openers

• Interior and exterior utility equipment

If your attic entrance is in a closet or garage, remove boxes, clothing, shelving, vehicles, or other items that could prevent the inspector from safely setting up a ladder.

Clear the Electrical Panel

Electrical panels need more than just a small opening to reach them. The inspector needs enough room to safely stand in front of the panel and remove the panel cover.

Move boxes, shelving, furniture, and stored belongings away from the panel before the inspection.

Don't Forget the Garage

If possible, move vehicles out of the garage before the inspector arrives. This provides better access to the garage floor, walls, electrical components, garage door, water heater, HVAC equipment, and other systems that may be located there.

Make Appliances and Controls Available

Permanently installed appliances should be connected and available for normal operation.

If your home has fireplaces, ceiling fans, or other equipment operated by remote controls, leave the remotes somewhere easy for the inspector to find.

Unlock Doors, Gates and Access Panels

Make sure the inspector can access all areas included with the property. Unlock exterior gates, crawlspace doors, utility rooms, detached garages, storage areas, and other applicable spaces.

If something requires a key, remote, or access code, make sure it is available.

Secure Your Pets

Even friendly pets can make inspecting certain areas difficult. Dogs, cats, and other pets should be safely secured so the inspector can move throughout the home and access the yard, attic, crawlspace, and other areas as needed.

Protect Personal and Valuable Items

Before the inspection, secure valuables, medications, firearms, financial documents, and other sensitive personal belongings.

Remember that the inspector may need to look inside accessible cabinets beneath sinks, utility closets, and other areas containing components of the home.

Why Preparation Matters

Home inspectors generally don't move furniture, appliances, boxes, or large amounts of personal belongings to gain access to components.

When something can't be safely reached, it may have to be documented as inaccessible or not fully inspected. That can leave the buyer with unanswered questions and may result in additional inspections or requests for access later.

Spending a few minutes preparing the home can help provide a safer, smoother, and more complete home inspection.

Need a Home Inspection in the Raleigh Area?

At Point Break Inspections, our goal is to provide home buyers and homeowners with a thorough, straightforward evaluation of the property so they can better understand the home and make informed decisions.

If you're buying, selling, or building a home in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Wake County, or surrounding areas, contact Point Break Inspections to schedule your home inspection.