Home Inspection Prep: Make It Easy to Inspect

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We have a contract! YAY! 🎉

Now it's time for the buyers to conduct their home inspection. If you're still living in the house, this appointment requires a little more prep than a normal showing - but nothing crazy.

The goal is simple:

Make everything easy for the inspector to access and test. Then get out of the way and let them inspect.

Before the Inspector Arrives

Plan for the buyers and inspector to have the house for approximately three hours. You'll want to leave during the inspection, just like you would for a showing.

Before you go:

  • Empty the dishwasher, washer, and dryer if they're conveying so they can be tested.

  • Clear sink basins and underneath sinks so the plumbing is accessible.

  • Unlock storage spaces and any other areas the inspector may need to access.

  • Clear the path to the electrical panel, water heater, HVAC equipment, and attic.

  • Replace any burned-out light bulbs and change a dirty HVAC filter.

  • Turn off security alarms so nobody accidentally summons the cavalry. 😂

You don't need to deep-clean the house again. We're simply trying to avoid a report full of “Unable to inspect because access was blocked.”

Then... Go Enjoy Yourself

This is another appointment where you don't need to be home.

The buyers need an opportunity to walk through the property with their inspector, ask questions, and learn about the house without feeling like they're being watched.

Go get lunch. Run errands. See a movie.

I'll let you know when they're finished.

What Happens Next?

After the inspection, the buyers will receive a written report and decide what - if anything - they'd like to address according to the terms of our contract.

That may mean we enter PICRA negotiations, someone comes back for a closer look at a particular issue, or... nothing happens at all.

We'll deal with whatever comes back when it comes back. No need to spend inspection day inventing 700 hypothetical repair requests in your head. 😉

One Important Note for Later

Even if you've already moved out, please keep all utilities on through closing. I recommend scheduling them to shut off the day after closing so everything can still be tested during the buyers' final walk-through.

For the love of all things holy, do not leave us standing in a dark house on closing day. 😂

The Big Picture

Your job on inspection day is refreshingly simple:

Make the house accessible, make sure everything can be tested, and go enjoy three hours somewhere else.

I'll take it from there. 🎉