Home Inspection Checklist

You have your home inspection scheduled. Great! But is the home ready to be inspected?

This simple home inspection checklist will help you, your Realtor® and the seller ensure the home is ready to be inspected.

  • Please make sure all of the utilities (gas, water, electric) are on. Should any of the utilities be turned off, many of the home’s components will not be able to be inspected.
  • Ensure the electric is on to all circuits and electrical components. A home inspector will not plug in components or turn on breakers during an inspection.
  • Be sure the water is on and functional to all fixtures. Inspectors will not turn on any shut off valves to get water to any fixture.
  • Should gas appliances be present, please make sure the gas is on to all of the gas appliances and that all pilots are lit. Inspectors will not turn on gas valves or light pilots.
  • If the attic access is located inside a closet or other area where stored items are in the way, remove all items and remove any shelving that may be in the way of getting a ladder below the access. Inspectors will not remove stored items or shelving.
  • Make sure a key is provided for any doors requiring a key to be opened.
  • Be sure nothing is in front of or blocking the electrical panel.
  • Be sure nothing is in front of or blocking the water heater.
  • Remove items stored inside the kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc. so they can be visually inspected and tested.
  • Please ensure the dishwasher is empty so it can be tested and visually inspected.
  • Please ensure the clothes washer and dryer are empty so they can be tested and visually inspected.
  • Remove any items stored on and/or inside the stove/oven so it can be fully tested and visually inspected.
  • Should pets be present inside the home or in a fenced area, please have them removed or stored in a secure place to prevent them from escaping through an open door/gate as well as to prevent any harm to the inspector.

Please click here to download a printable version of this home inspection checklist.