Prepare Your Home for Sale and Inspection

Here are some helpful suggestions to get your home ready for a successful inspection. You can also download our printable checklist here:

Download Seller Pre-Inspection Checklist (PDF)

General Guidelines

1. Clear access to the attic, crawlspace, heating systems, electrical panels, water heaters, garage, and other areas to be inspected.
2. If the house is vacant, ensure all utilities are on: water, electricity, natural gas or propane. Turn on the water heater, furnace, and central air.
3. Ensure all breakers that should be on are turned on in the service panel(s).
4. Avoid quick, amateur repairs (e.g., excessive caulk). These are often obvious and may raise concerns.
5. Many of these tasks are inexpensive but show buyers the home is well maintained.

Exterior

1. Remove grade or mulch in contact with siding — aim for 6+ inches of clearance.
2. Ensure clear access to the LP tank or gas meter.
3. Grade soil away from the foundation (a 6-inch drop over 10 feet is ideal).
4. Remove rotting wood and firewood from contact with the home.
5. Clear grade from foundation vents.
6. Divert all water 6–10 feet from the home (via downspout extensions, sump discharge, etc.).
7. Trim back trees, roots, and bushes from the foundation, siding, roof, and chimney.
8. Paint weathered wood and caulk around windows, doors, trim, and chimneys.
9. Seal asphalt driveways and patch cracks in concrete with suitable fillers (e.g., Stone Mason).
10. Repoint any deteriorating mortar joints in brick or block.
11. Caulk all exterior wall penetrations (cable, pipes, etc.).
12. Install window wells and covers where windows are at or below grade.

Roof, Chimney & Gutters

1. Clean gutters and downspouts; make sure leaders are attached and diverting water away.
2. Remove roof debris such as leaves and branches.
3. Seal or repoint masonry chimneys and crowns; ensure flues are clean and venting properly.
4. Ensure soffit and roof vents are clear of obstructions (nests, insulation, etc.).
5. Have fireplace or wood stove chimneys cleaned and provide documentation for the buyer.

Basement & Crawlspace

1. Clear and inspect basement drains for accessibility and function.
2. Seal or repoint basement masonry walls if necessary.
3. Remove visible moisture in crawlspaces; wood should have moisture content below 18%.
4. Humidifiers should be set to 60% relative humidity or less.
5. Install a 6 mil vapor barrier in the crawlspace if missing.
6. Remove paints, solvents, gasoline, etc. from attic, crawlspace, and basement areas.
7. Ensure sump pumps discharge to a storm drain or at least 10 feet from the foundation — not the sanitary sewer.

Electrical Equipment

1. Test all GFCI outlets for proper operation.
2. Replace burned-out light bulbs.
3. Remove extension cords used as permanent wiring.

Mechanical Equipment

1. Replace or clean the HVAC filter (check for correct airflow direction).
2. Clean the coil of any exterior A/C units.
3. Keep vegetation and obstructions at least 3 feet away from exterior A/C units.
4. Clean dirty return air vents and plenums.
5. Replace the humidifier’s evaporator (water panel) if applicable.
6. Ensure bathroom and kitchen vents discharge to the home’s exterior — not the attic.
7. Clean the dryer vent and confirm the damper flap operates correctly.

Bathrooms

1. Caulk tub-to-floor, tub-to-wall, shower doors, surrounds, and around plumbing fixtures.
2. Ensure all fixtures (toilets, tubs, showers, sinks) operate correctly and are leak-free.
3. Check sink and tub overflows to confirm they’re functioning.
4. Ensure drain stoppers are present and working properly.