A Seller’s Guide: Preparing for the Home Inspection
When it comes to selling your home, one of the most critical steps in the process is the buyer’s home inspection. As a trusted inspection provider, The BrickKicker has seen how a well-prepared home can create a smoother transaction, boost buyer confidence, and even reduce negotiation delays. A successful inspection reflects the true condition of your property and signals that you’ve cared for your home—something every buyer appreciates. Let’s explore a few ways every seller can be prepared before the inspection.
Decluttering
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prepare is by cleaning and decluttering your home. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about access. Our inspectors must evaluate all major systems. This means that areas like basements, attics, crawlspaces, and mechanical rooms must be easy to reach. Inspectors are not required to move furniture to gain access to major systems, and for good reason. Any damages when doing so fall on the inspector. Thus, boxes stacked in front of electrical panels or furniture blocking access to HVAC components can delay the inspection process and create red flags for buyers.
Accessibility
Before your inspection, ensure that all doors, panels, and utility closets are unlocked. This includes attic access points, electrical breaker boxes, water heaters, and under-sink plumbing. If we can’t reach an area, we have to note it as “inaccessible,” which may require a return visit or result in uncertainty for the buyer.
A frequent accessibility issue is attic entrances. If your attic ladder is in your garage, be sure there are no vehicles blocking its decline. Similarly, ensure that all secondary buildings and sheds are unlocked and can be traversed. Blockages and locks lead to incomplete reports, and negotiation then begins regarding whether the buyer or seller must pay to have those areas reinspected at a later date.
Check Appliances and Systems
Another important step is to test your home’s systems and appliances. Heating and cooling units, faucets, toilets, lights, outlets, and built-in appliances should all be functioning properly. At The BrickKicker, our certified inspectors perform a detailed review of these components. Minor issues—like a dripping faucet or a tripped GFCI outlet—can raise concerns if not addressed in advance.
We also recommend handling small repairs ahead of time. Fixing that loose stair railing, replacing burnt-out bulbs, or patching a minor roof leak shows prospective buyers that your home is move-in ready. It also reduces the likelihood of items showing up on the inspection report that could jeopardize your sale. You don’t want your deal hinging on easily preventable fixes.
Utilities On
Finally, make sure all utilities are on and provide documentation for any recent repairs or maintenance. Our inspectors at The BrickKicker can’t test systems like HVAC, plumbing, or appliances if power or water is off. The cost of a return trip for our inspectors may fall in the lap of the seller. Supplying a history of service work can also give buyers additional peace of mind. Transparency matters—disclosing known issues early builds trust and helps avoid surprises.
At The BrickKicker, we take pride in being a reliable partner for both buyers and sellers. Our licensed, InterNACHI-certified inspectors deliver clear, thorough reports that reflect the home’s true condition. By following these seller preparation tips, you help ensure that the buyer’s inspection is efficient, straightforward, and stress-free—for everyone involved. Ready to get ahead of the curve? We’re here to help you make the most of your home inspection experience.