A home inspection can reveal issues that may not only affect the sale of your home but also give buyers leverage to lower their offer, request repairs, or back out entirely.
To avoid costly surprises, sellers should prepare ahead of time.
Our home inspection checklist will guide you through key steps, so your property is in top shape. This way you’ll be able to pass inspection and potentially make repairs to increase your home’s value in the process.
Initial walkthrough
Before bringing in a professional inspector, homeowners should conduct their own initial walkthrough—both inside and out.
While you’re not expected to be an expert, this gives you the opportunity to identify any obvious issues before the inspector does. You don’t need special credentials to notice a leaky ceiling or recognize that rainwater pooling around the foundation could signal problems.
Take a moment to declutter your home and take care of the outside spaces before you start—a tidy space can helps you spot potential issues more easily.
Exterior
- Ensure the roof is free of missing or damaged shingles.
- Inspect the chimney for cracked bricks, and check the condition of the chimney cap.
- Verify that gutters are clear of debris and free from damage.
- Check that siding is tight, straight, and in good condition, and ensure stucco is crack-free.
- Confirm that windows and doors open and close properly, without any cracks.
- Look for signs of standing water.
- Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove any weeds.
Interior
The home inspector will also look for major issues like:
- Sagging, leaky, or cracked ceilings
- Warped, sagging, or buckling floors
- Leaning walls
- Doors that don’t close properly
- Drafty windows that don’t seal well
- Leaks under sinks or near any water sources
Give these rooms special attention
Once you’re back inside, give special attention to certain rooms. The kitchen is often the heart of the home and one of the biggest selling points for many homebuyers. It’s a space that buyers are willing to invest in, so ensuring it’s in top shape can make a significant difference.
Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratched or stained countertops, chipped tiles, or outdated appliances. If your range has a hood fan, make sure it vents properly to the outside.
If you’re going above and beyond, consider minor upgrades like replacing old hardware or refreshing the cabinets. Fixing certain issues can go a long way in boosting your kitchen’s appeal.
While the basement may not be as frequently used as the kitchen, it’s just as critical when it comes to your home’s overall condition—especially when it comes to foundational issues.
Problems like wet spots or sagging wood structures can be signs of water damage, which could seriously impact the structural integrity of your home.
If basement issues go unnoticed and are discovered later in the home selling process—particularly during negotiations or after you’ve already entered contract talks—it can be a major headache. Structural problems are not only expensive to repair but can also cause buyers to back out or demand price reductions so addressing these issues beforehand is key.
Have questions ready for your agent
What buyers prioritize can vary by location, and a knowledgeable local agent will understand what matters most in your area. For example, having a full bathroom on the first floor might be a big selling point in your neighborhood but not as important in others.
Your agent will also be able to advise you on what needs attention before you start showing your home to prospective buyers. They’ll know which updates or repairs are worth making to maximize your home’s appeal—and just as importantly what you shouldn’t fix so you’re not over-investing in areas that won’t add much value.
Home inspection checklist for sellers
During the inspection, the inspector will be checking for a range of potential issues. To help the process go smoothly, tidy up the house and property.
Start by cleaning up the lawn, trimming overgrown plants, and removing debris from around the property. Inside, declutter surfaces, clear hallways, and make sure areas like the attic, basement, and crawl spaces are easily accessible.
These simple steps can make it easier for the inspector to do their job and keep the inspection focused on identifying any real issues that need attention.
Kitchen
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Drawers
- Stove
- Plumbing (under sink)
- Flooring
Bathroom
- Mirrors
- Sinks
- Tub/shower
- Exhaust fan
- Toilet
- Caulking/grouting
Basement
- Plumbing (pipes)
- HVAC unit
- Wooden structures
Attic
- Exhaust and appliance vents
- Insulation
- Ventilation (proper airflow, no mold)
- Wiring
Family room/living room
- Screens and windows
- Walls and ceiling
- Doors and frames
- Steps/staircase
- Lighting
- Electric outlets
- Thermostat
- Fireplace
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Front yard
- Driveway
- Walkway
- Lighting
- Gutters
- Garage
- Lawn
Backyard
- Fencing
- Deck/patio
- Pool
- Doors
- Sheds
- Lawn
This post was originally published on www.realtor.com
