Selling your home is a big deal. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, the buyer’s home inspection can be nerve-wracking. But here’s the good news: with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, when prepared for, the home inspection can help move the sale along smoothly and help build trust with your buyer. Let’s discuss what you can do to prepare for a home inspection, what inspectors typically look for, and how to avoid common mistakes.
First Impressions Start Before the Front Door
The inspector will inspect the outside of your home just as thoroughly as the interior. This includes the roof, siding, gutters, grading, foundation, and more. So take a walk around your property and look at it like you were buying it for the first time.
Trim back bushes and tree limbs that are too close to the roof or siding. Clear out gutters and make sure downspouts are pointing away from the house. If you have broken shingles or obvious roof damage, address it ahead of time or be ready to explain it.
Also, make sure the exterior doors open and close properly, and that locks work. If there’s a deck, porch, or stairs, check that everything feels solid and secure. Small fixes now can prevent bigger headaches later.
Make Sure Everything’s Accessible When You Prepare for a Home Inspection
Home inspectors don’t move furniture or personal items. If they can’t get to something, they can’t inspect it—and that can raise red flags for buyers.
So, clear a path to the electrical panel, water heater, furnace, and any attic or crawlspace access points. Unlock gates, sheds, or garage doors. If an appliance or system is going to be inspected, make sure it’s easy to get to and ready to use.
Think about the basics too: replace any blown light bulbs, put new batteries in smoke detectors, and label any quirky switches or systems that might confuse someone who isn’t familiar with your home.
Clean and Tidy Matters More Than You Think
Now’s not the time to do a full remodel, but a clean, clutter-free home gives a good impression. It tells the inspector—and the buyer—that the home has been cared for.
Vacuum, dust, wipe down counters and appliances, and straighten up any messes. You’re not trying to impress with décor. You’re showing that the home has been maintained. A tidy home makes the inspector’s job easier and gives fewer reasons for concern.
Also, take care of small repairs you’ve been putting off. Fix that dripping faucet. Replace the cracked tile in the bathroom. Patch the hole in the drywall. These little things may seem minor, but they can add up in a buyer’s mind.
Be Honest About Known Issues
If you know something’s broken or has had issues in the past, it’s better to be upfront. That leaky basement you patched last year? Let the inspector know what was done and when. Replaced a major system like HVAC or the roof? Have the receipts or documentation ready.
Transparency goes a long way in real estate. Trying to hide issues will almost always backfire, especially when the inspector finds them anyway. Being honest helps everyone involved and keeps the process moving forward.
Plan to Be Away During the Inspection
This is a big one. Most inspectors prefer that the homeowner isn’t there during the inspection. It gives them the space to do their job and lets the buyer and their agent talk freely about what they’re seeing.
The average inspection takes two to four hours, depending on the size of the home. Plan something else to do during that time—go run errands, visit a friend, or treat yourself to a long lunch.
Leave keys, remotes, and instructions for anything that might be tricky, like alarm systems or specialty appliances. If you’ve got pets, make sure they’re crated or out of the house as well.
If you’re selling your home, remember this: preparation is key. A little effort upfront goes a long way toward making the inspection go smoothly—and keeping your sale on track. If you need help or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
FAQs on How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
What does a home inspector look for?
A home inspector looks at the major systems and components of a home—roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, windows, doors, and more. They’re checking for safety issues, signs of damage, and anything that might need repair or replacement.
How long does a home inspection take?
Most inspections take between two to four hours. Larger homes or homes with extra features (like pools or crawlspaces) might take a little longer.
Should I fix everything before the inspection?
Not necessarily everything, but definitely fix things that are broken, unsafe, or obviously worn out. Small repairs can make a big difference. Bigger issues can be disclosed and factored into the sale negotiations.
Will the buyer still want the house if the inspection finds problems?
Usually, yes. Most buyers don’t expect the house to be perfect. What matters is how issues are handled. If you’ve been honest and open, and you’re willing to work with the buyer, most problems can be worked out.
Can I do my own pre-listing inspection?
Absolutely. Many sellers choose to have a home inspection done before listing so they can fix problems early and avoid surprises later. It can also help with pricing and negotiations.
All Pro Property Inspections provides home inspections in the Greater San Diego area. Contact us to request our services.