A Seller’s Guide to Preparing a Property for Home Inspection

A smooth home inspection starts with full access to the property. Inspectors cannot move personal belongings for liability reasons. If an area is blocked, we are forced to mark:

“Not Inspected – Obstructed by Personal Property”

A significant number of follow‑up inspections occur simply because personal items are in the way of key systems or components. While it’s not always possible to clear every inch of living space—especially in an occupied home—focusing on the areas below will help your inspector access the most important areas.

1. Attic Access

A sealed or obstructed attic hatch prevents inspection of major structural components.

Clear furniture, boxes, or stored items beneath the attic opening.
Ensure the pull‑down ladder or hatch can fully open without obstruction.
Remove items stored directly under or around the opening.
If the hatch is painted shut, nailed, or otherwise sealed, correct this before the inspection.

2. Electrical Panel

Electrical panels must be fully accessible for safety and evaluation.

Provide at least 3 feet of clear space in front of the panel.
Remove shelving, storage bins, or hanging items blocking access.
Ensure the panel door can swing open completely.

3. HVAC System

Inspectors will test heating and cooling performance; expect temperature changes during the inspection.

Clear the area around the furnace, air handler, or heat pump.
Remove weeds, debris, or stored items around the exterior condensing unit.
Ensure crawlspaces containing ductwork are open and accessible.
Make sure labels, filters, shutoff switches, and service panels are visible and reachable.

4. Water Heater

Water heaters are sometimes hidden in closets, cabinets, or unusual locations—especially in modular homes.

Inform the inspector if the water heater is in a non‑obvious location.
Note if special tools are required to access it.
Remove stored items around the water heater.
Ensure the tank, connections, and relief valve are visible.

5. Crawlspace Entry (if applicable)

Crawlspaces often contain major components such as ductwork, plumbing, or structural supports.

Clear the hatch or door and ensure it can be opened.
Remove stored items blocking access to furnaces, sump pumps, or plumbing.
Unlock any exterior crawlspace doors.

6. Plumbing Fixtures

Inspectors need to operate all fixtures to test water flow and drainage.

Ensure sinks, tubs, and toilets are not blocked by décor or storage.
Make sure shutoff valves are visible and reachable.
Remove items stored under sinks that may block plumbing.

7. Kitchen & Laundry

Appliances must be accessible for basic operation and inspection.

Clear access to the dishwasher, range, washer, and dryer.
Ensure the inspector can reach water supply lines, drain lines, and dryer vent connections.
Remove items stored in front of or on top of appliances.

8. Garage & Storage Areas

Garages often contain electrical panels, water heaters, and structural components.

Move vehicles out of the garage during the inspection.
Clear access to walls, outlets, mechanical equipment, and attic hatches.
Remove stacked items that block visibility of the foundation or framing.

9. Exterior

Exterior access is essential for evaluating siding, grading, drainage, and utilities.

Unlock gates and fences.
Remove items blocking siding, foundation walls, hose bibs, or crawlspace vents.
Trim vegetation that prevents access to exterior components.

✔️ Final Pre‑Inspection Checklist

[ ] All utilities on (water, power, gas)
[ ] All doors unlocked or keys provided
[ ] Pets secured
[ ] All major areas/systems accessible
[ ] Attic, crawlspace, and utility areas cleared
[ ] Personal property moved away from key inspection points
[ ] Gates, fences, and exterior access points unlocked
[ ] Breaker panel, water heater, and HVAC equipment unobstructed