10/21/2026
🏠 10 Helpful Tips to Get Your Home Ready for a Great Inspection
A smooth inspection can help you avoid delays, repeat visits, and unnecessary worries. These simple steps can help everything go smoothly from start to finish.
1️⃣ Make sure all utilities are turned on.
Ensure electricity, gas, and water are on before inspection. Inspectors follow standard SOPs and operate systems as they are on inspection day; unavailable utilities may limit the inspection.
2️⃣ Easy Access to the Electrical Panel
Please ensure the main panel and sub-panels are easy to access, with 36 inches of clearance recommended. If any panels are inside closets or behind gates or fencing, please unlock them.
3️⃣ Ensure Easy Access to the Attic
Please clear any stored items that are blocking attic access, and make sure pull-down stairs or scuttle holes can be opened safely.
4️⃣ Make the Water Heater Easy to Access
Please keep at least 30 inches of clear space around the water heater. Inspectors will check the T&P valve, venting, drain pan, and installation height.
5️⃣ Unlock every door, gate, and outbuilding.
Please ensure garages, backyard gates, sheds, detached structures, and electrical disconnects are accessible for inspection.
6️⃣ Clear access to the crawl space or pier-and-beam area
Make sure crawl space access hatches are visible, unlocked, and unobstructed. Move any stored items away from them.
7️⃣ Replace Burnt-Out Light Bulbs
Lights that aren’t working may be reported as electrical issues if bulbs are missing or burned out—an easy fix to take care of beforehand.
8️⃣ Keep Pets Secure and Safe
Please kennel, crate, or remove your pets during the inspection to keep them safe and ensure the inspector can fully access the property.
9️⃣ Make Sure HVAC Systems Are Ready
Under ASHI SOP, air filters should be installed, thermostats accessible, and systems operational when weather conditions permit.
🔟 Take Care of Basic Maintenance Tasks
Inspectors don’t expect everything to be perfect, but covering the basics can help you avoid red flags:
Missing smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
Loose handrails
Leaking faucets
Tripped GFCI/AFCI outlets
Burnt-Out Light Bulbs
A home inspection offers a snapshot in time, rather than a pass/fail test. Preparing your home can help ensure the report reflects the property accurately, without unnecessary limitations.
If you have any questions before inspection day, please feel free to give me a ☎️. I’m always happy to help!
Jacob Turner - (501) 516-1360
