Preparing Your Home for a Home Inspection: A Seller's Checklist

A home inspection is an important part of many real estate transactions. A little preparation can help the inspection go smoothly and allow the inspector to properly access and evaluate the home's major systems and components.

If you're preparing to sell a home in Granbury, Weatherford, Aledo, Fort Worth, or the surrounding North Texas area, these simple steps can help make inspection day more efficient.

Make Everything Accessible

Clear stored items and personal belongings away from areas the inspector will need to access, including:

• Electrical panels
• Water heaters
• HVAC equipment
• Attic access
• Crawlspace entrances
• Plumbing fixtures
• Garage walls and doors
• Permanently installed appliances

If an area isn't reasonably accessible, it may have to be reported as inaccessible or not inspected.

Replace Dirty HVAC Filters

Check the HVAC filter and replace it if it's dirty. A heavily soiled filter can restrict airflow and is a common maintenance item noted during home inspections.

If the HVAC system is overdue for professional servicing or has a known problem, consider having it evaluated by a qualified HVAC professional before the inspection.

Check Basic Plumbing Operation

Run accessible faucets and check around sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and exterior faucets. Look for:

• Dripping faucets
• Slow drains
• Loose toilets
• Leaks beneath sinks
• Leaking supply connections
• Visible water damage

Addressing routine maintenance items before the inspection can reduce distractions and help keep the focus on more significant findings.

Check Doors and Windows

Open and close accessible doors and windows. Look for damaged hardware, broken glass, loose components, and doors or windows that don't operate properly.

Make sure windows aren't blocked by furniture or stored belongings where practical.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Make sure installed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are securely mounted and operational. Replace dead batteries when needed. Missing, damaged, or nonfunctional alarms are common safety-related inspection findings.

Walk Around the Exterior

Take a quick walk around the property and look for routine maintenance concerns such as:

• Vegetation contacting the structure
• Clogged or damaged gutters
• Damaged siding or trim
• Loose exterior components
• Drainage concerns around the foundation
• Damaged or deteriorated weather sealing

Also make sure exterior HVAC equipment, electrical equipment, faucets, and other components aren't blocked by stored items or heavy vegetation.

Clear Attic and Crawlspace Access

Don't forget about areas you may not see every day. Remove furniture, boxes, shelving, and other belongings blocking attic or crawlspace access. The inspector needs safe and reasonable access to evaluate visible components within these areas.

Avoid placing belongings directly beneath attic access openings on inspection day.

Keep Utilities and Systems On

Utilities and systems that are normally in service should remain on and accessible for the inspection. This generally includes:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas service
• HVAC equipment
• Water heaters
• Permanently installed appliances

Do not activate equipment or utilities that have been intentionally shut down because of a known defect or safety concern. Have those conditions evaluated by an appropriate professional.

Provide Access to Locked Areas

Make sure the inspector can access garages, gates, detached structures, electrical panels, and other areas included with the property. Provide keys, garage door remotes, combinations, or other access instructions when necessary.

Secure Pets

Make arrangements to secure or remove pets during the inspection. This allows the inspector to safely access the home, garage, yard, and other areas without disturbing the animals. Remember that gates and exterior doors may need to be opened during the inspection.

Don't Try to Hide Problems

Your home doesn't have to be perfect. If you know about a problem, hiding or covering it isn't the answer. Address significant concerns appropriately and make any property disclosures required as part of the transaction.

A home inspection isn't a pass-or-fail test. Its purpose is to provide information about the property's condition at the time of the inspection.

Preparation Makes a Difference

Before inspection day, focus on three things: access, operation, and basic maintenance. Making the property accessible and ensuring its systems are ready for normal operation helps the inspector perform a more complete inspection and can help the real estate transaction move more smoothly.