How to Prepare Your Home for a Home Inspection
A Homeowner’s Checklist from Arrow Inspections
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the real estate process—whether you’re selling your home, refinancing, or simply want peace of mind. Proper preparation helps ensure the inspection runs smoothly, avoids unnecessary red flags, and allows the inspector to do a thorough, accurate job.
At Arrow Inspections, we want inspections to be clear, efficient, and stress-free. Here’s exactly how homeowners can prepare their property for inspection day.
Why Preparing for a Home Inspection Matters
A home inspection isn’t about passing or failing—it’s about understanding the condition of the home. That said, poor preparation can:
- Delay the inspection
- Limit access to key systems
- Create concerns that could have been easily avoided
A well-prepared home helps:
- Speed up the inspection
- Reduce buyer anxiety
- Present your home responsibly and transparently
1. Ensure Full Access to All Areas of the Home
Inspectors need access to every major system in the home.
Before inspection day:
- Provide access to all areas (including garages, sheds, and outbuildings)
- Clear access to the attic hatch
- Ensure crawl spaces are accessible
- Remove items blocking the electrical panel, furnace, water heater, and sump pump
👉 Rule of thumb: Inspectors should be able to access everything without moving heavy personal items.
2. Make Sure Utilities Are Turned On
For a proper inspection, the following must be operational:
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas (if applicable)
- Heating system (weather permitting)
If utilities are off, key components cannot be tested, which often leads to follow-up inspections or unresolved concerns.
3. Replace Burnt-Out Bulbs and Basic Maintenance Items
This is a small step that makes a big difference.
Before inspection:
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs
- Install missing smoke or CO detector batteries
- Secure loose handrails
- Replace furnace filters
These items are commonly flagged and can distract from more meaningful findings.
4. Clear Minor Drain and Plumbing Issues
Inspectors will test:
- Sinks
- Tubs
- Toilets
- Showers
To prepare:
- Clear slow drains if possible
- Ensure toilets flush properly
- Address obvious leaks if already known
Minor plumbing issues are common—but fixing them ahead of time shows care and responsibility.
5. Contain Pets and Plan to Be Away If Possible
For everyone’s comfort and safety:
- Secure pets in a crate, kennel, or separate area
- Consider leaving the home during the inspection
This allows the inspector to work efficiently and communicate freely with buyers or agents without distractions who are also using this time to envision themselves living in the home.
6. Don’t Hide Problems — Transparency Matters
Inspectors are trained to spot issues. Attempting to conceal known problems often:
- Raises red flags
- Damages trust
- Leads to more scrutiny
If something is already known:
- Repairs don’t need to be perfect
- Honest disclosure is always better than surprises
7. Provide Documentation If Available
Helpful items include:
- Receipts for recent repairs or upgrades
- Permits for renovations
- Furnace or septic service records
- Warranty information
This context can be valuable to buyers and inspectors alike.
What NOT to Worry About
Homeowners often stress over things that are normal and expected:
- Minor cosmetic wear
- Older (but functional) systems
- Typical aging of materials
A home inspection is about condition and safety, not perfection.
Final Thoughts from Arrow Inspections
Preparing your home for inspection doesn’t mean fixing everything—it means allowing the inspection to be done properly and professionally.
At Arrow Inspections, our goal is to provide clear, unbiased information so homeowners and buyers can make confident decisions.
If you’re booking an inspection or have questions about preparing your home, we’re always happy to help.
👉 Contact Arrow Inspections today to book your inspection or ask questions before inspection day. Schedule Here