A home inspection goes faster and produces a better report when the inspector can actually get to everything. Most of the delays and “unable to inspect” notes I write come down to a few simple things that are easy to fix ahead of time. If you’re a seller preparing for a buyer’s inspection, or a buyer arranging a pre-listing check, here’s how to set it up.
See real reports: download a sample home inspection report (PDF) or the shorter report summary (PDF) — complete examples on a demo property.
Make sure the utilities are on
This is the single most important one. If the power, water, or gas is off, I can’t fully test the systems that run on them — the HVAC won’t run, the water heater won’t fire, the appliances won’t operate, and I’ll have to note them as unable to be evaluated. On a vacant home especially, confirm that all utilities are on and stay on through the inspection.
If a system has been shut off for a reason — a known gas leak, a breaker that trips — leave it off and tell me why. Safety comes first, and I’m not going to energize something that shouldn’t be.
Clear access to the key areas
I need to physically reach the things I’m inspecting. The spots that get blocked most often:
The electrical panel. Clear anything stacked in front of it. I need to remove the cover and see the whole panel.
The water heater, furnace, and air handler. These are often in closets, garages, or attics with boxes piled around them. Clear a path.
The attic and crawlspace access. If the hatch is in a closet, clear the floor under it. If it’s blocked by storage, I may not be able to get up or under, and that’s a big part of the home to lose.
Under the sinks. Move the cleaning supplies out so I can check the plumbing connections.
Deal with locks, pets, and gates
If there are locked rooms, sheds, gates, or electrical rooms, make sure I’ll have the keys or codes. A locked room is a room I can’t inspect.
Pets should be secured or removed for the day. Even friendly animals slow things down when I’m going in and out of doors and up into attics, and I’d rather they stay safe and out of the way.
Small things that help
Replace burned-out light bulbs where you can. A dead bulb reads the same as a dead fixture until proven otherwise, so a fresh bulb saves an unnecessary note.
Have any documentation handy — roof permits, recent repairs, HVAC service records, or a prior wind mitigation form. It’s not required, but it’s genuinely useful, especially on insurance inspections.
Plan to be away during the inspection if you’re the seller. Buyers often walk the home with me at the end, and it’s easier for everyone if the seller isn’t there.
What preparation doesn’t change
One thing worth saying plainly: preparing well helps me see everything, but it doesn’t change what I find. My job is to document the real condition of the home, and a clean, accessible house just means the report is complete and accurate — not that it comes back cleaner than the home actually is. That accuracy is the whole point, and it protects everyone at the table.
If you’ve got a question about access or what to expect on the day, call or text before the appointment. I’m happy to walk through it.