Preparing for a home inspection before listing your property comes down to three core priorities: provide clear access to all major systems, take care of small but meaningful maintenance items, and create a safe, efficient environment for the inspector to work. A little preparation helps ensure the inspection accurately reflects your home's true condition, minimizes preventable red flags, and keeps your sale moving forward without unnecessary delays.
In this guide, we'll walk through a straightforward, seller-friendly home inspection checklist designed to help homeowners across the Southeast prepare with confidence—whether you're selling in a coastal market, a growing suburban area, or a historic neighborhood.
1. Start With Access: Make Every Key Area Easy to Reach
Home inspections are visual, non-invasive evaluations. If an inspector cannot safely access an area, it may be documented as "not inspected," which can raise avoidable concerns for buyers. Before inspection day, do a walkthrough to make sure all critical areas are accessible and unobstructed.
Priority interior access points:
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Clear pathways to mechanical systems and appliances, including HVAC equipment, the water heater, electrical panel, and under-sink plumbing
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Unblock attic hatches and crawlspace entrances
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Remove items that prevent garage doors from opening or being tested
Exterior access matters too:
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Clear debris, vegetation, and décor from around the foundation
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Remove obstacles near siding, grading, and rooflines so the exterior can be evaluated safely
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Unlock gates, sheds, utility areas, and exterior access points
If you have pets, plan to secure them off-site or in a kennel to ensure safety and allow the inspection to proceed efficiently.
2. Tackle Small, High-Impact Maintenance Items
Once access is clear, focus on quick maintenance fixes that are inexpensive but meaningful. These small improvements help prevent minor issues from appearing as larger concerns on the inspection report.
Easy maintenance wins:
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Replace burned-out or dim light bulbs so fixtures can be tested
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Install a clean HVAC or furnace filter
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Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed
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Tighten loose doorknobs, railings, cabinet hardware, and handles
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Address slow drips or minor plumbing leaks
Small repairs worth handling ahead of time:
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Ensure toilets flush properly and don't continue running
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Verify exhaust fans operate in bathrooms and kitchens
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Confirm windows and doors open, close, and lock smoothly
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Secure loose fixtures and outlet covers
These simple steps help keep the inspection focused on the home's overall condition, not avoidable distractions.
3. Prep the Exterior and Utility Areas
Exterior conditions are just as important as interior ones. Inspectors need to walk the perimeter, evaluate drainage and grading, and access utility systems. Anything blocked, locked, or unsafe may not be inspected, which can complicate negotiations later.
Exterior and utility prep checklist:
Exterior visibility and safety
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Remove leaves, brush, and debris from around the foundation
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Move bins, planters, furniture, and décor away from siding
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Trim overgrowth so rooflines, vents, and surfaces are visible
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Clear walkways, steps, and side yards to reduce trip hazards
Gates, garages, and outbuildings
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Unlock gates, sheds, detached garages, and storage areas
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Ensure garage doors are accessible and can be tested
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Make crawlspace doors and attic ladders easy to reach
Mechanical and utility access
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Clear storage away from the furnace, water heater, and electrical panel
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Unlock utility closets and exterior meters
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If the home is vacant, confirm water, gas, and power are turned on
4. Inspection-Day Details: Pets, Occupancy, and Helpful Extras
A few simple logistics can make inspection day smoother and more efficient.
Day-of best practices:
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Secure pets and plan to be away from the home if possible
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If you remain on-site, give the inspector space and save questions for the end
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Turn on lights and ensure every room is accessible
Helpful items to leave out:
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Remotes for ceiling fans, fireplaces, mini-splits, or smart systems
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Keys, codes, or instructions for access points
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Manuals or notes for equipment that's tricky to operate
Final safety check:
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Label or note anything that's out of order
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Confirm security systems won't accidentally trigger
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Make sure nothing fragile blocks access to key systems
Final Pre-Inspection Checklist
Before the inspector arrives, do a final walkthrough to catch anything easy to overlook.
Clear access everywhere
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Attic and crawlspace entrances are unobstructed
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Electrical panel is visible and reachable
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HVAC equipment, furnace, and water heater have clear space
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Under-sink areas are emptied
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Garage doors operate freely
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Gates, sheds, and utility closets are unlocked
Quick fixes completed
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Light bulbs replaced
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Filters changed
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Minor leaks and loose fixtures addressed
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Toilets, doors, and windows operate properly
Systems ready for testing
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Utilities are on
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Appliances are accessible and plugged in
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Fireplaces are user-ready, including pilot lights if applicable
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Thermostats and controls are easy to locate
Exterior ready
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Foundation perimeter is clear
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Walkways and yards are tidy and safe
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Rooflines and vents are visible
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection: Final Thoughts
Preparing for a home inspection isn't about making your home perfect—it's about making it easy to evaluate. Clear access, a few small fixes, and simple inspection-day preparations allow the inspector to work efficiently and produce an accurate report. That clarity helps reduce surprises, supports smoother negotiations, and keeps your sale on schedule. A little preparation now can make a significant difference later.