Pass Your Home Inspection: The Pre-List Playbook Sellers Need

Buyers are picky and markets shift. A clean inspection protects your price and keeps days-on-market low. Use this checklist to get ahead of the most common flags.

1) Big-Ticket Systems (fix or service before listing)

Roof

No active leaks, missing tiles/shingles, or obvious age/failure.
Get a roof inspection/statement of condition with approximate remaining life.

HVAC

Heat and A/C must produce proper temps.
Have units serviced and filters replaced; repair weak zones or noisy fans.
If a unit is failing or uses outdated refrigerant, plan to repair/replace.

Windows

Fix failed seals (fogging), stuck balances, broken latches, cracked panes.
Many panes can be replaced without swapping entire frames.

Plumbing & Sewer

If your area sees pinhole leaks/slab leaks, expect buyers to ask about repiping or credits.
Consider a sewer-line camera inspection, especially on older homes or lots with big trees.

2) Safety and Code Basics (easy wins that calm buyers)

Smoke detectors & CO detectors in required locations with installation dates noted.
Water heater: properly strapped; pan/sediment trap as required in your locality.
GFCI outlets near water sources; replace missing/failed ones.
Garage door: auto-reverse sensors working.
House-to-garage door: fire-rated and self-closing (no pet door cut-outs).
Electrical panel: breakers labeled; replace damaged covers, address dead outlets.
Water pressure: target ~60–70 PSI; adjust regulator if too high/low.
Weep screed/soil line: pull back soil/mulch from stucco to prevent moisture intrusion.

3) Kitchen & Bath (buyers notice everything)

All burners ignite; matching knobs installed.
Garbage disposal doesn’t leak or smell; replace if groaning or corroded.
Built-in fridge: clean condenser coils; fix non-working water/ice or remove feature.
Beverage fridges: repair or remove if inoperable.
Showers/tubs: working diverters, no drips; recaulk and regrout cracked lines.
Toilets: firmly secured (no wobble), supply lines tight, shutoffs operable.
Sinks & dishwasher: no active leaks; fix damp cabinetry and stained kick plates.

4) Interior Details That Trigger “Inoperable” Notes

Replace every dead bulb (use a consistent soft-white color temp).
Quiet squeaky hinges/tracks; tighten loose handrails and door hardware.
Label missing/dim circuit IDs; ensure all outlets test correctly.

5) Attic, Termites, and “Living Organisms”

Order a termite/living organism report (termites, dry rot, rodents, bees).
Attic: check for dropped wings, rodent activity, damaged insulation, or broken truss members (reinforce as recommended).
Clean gutters, trim trees off the roof and structure to reduce pest bridges.

6) Exterior & Site

Repair leaning or broken fences; align with neighbors on shared lines.
Pull weeds, clear debris, and reduce fuel load if you’re in fire-risk areas.
Verify sprinklers and low-voltage lights function (not typically inspected but buyers care).

7) Pools & Fire Sprinklers (if applicable)

Pools rarely “sail through.” Get a pool inspection for equipment, gates, alarms.
For interior fire sprinklers, ensure cover plates are intact and devices pass functional checks.

8) Quick DIY Pre-Check Tools (no brands needed)

Moisture meter: scan under sinks, around dishwashers, and suspect walls/floors.
Water-pressure gauge: verify PSI at a hose bib.
Outlet/circuit tester: confirm outlets and map breakers.
Blacklight: identify pet-stain areas to deep-clean before showings.

What Inspectors Don’t “Test” (but buyers still expect working)

Landscape sprinklers, garden lighting, built-in BBQs/fire features, fountains, and appliance dispensers. Decide now: repair, remove, or disclose as non-operational.