Right now, I bet you’re thinking, “But I’m the seller, what do I have to do for the inspection? Isn’t that all the buyer’s responsibility?” Well, yes and no. There are a few things you, as the seller, can do to ensure the inspection goes well. And, below is your checklist.

Leave the utilities on
All of the utilities that service the property (including gas, electric, and water), should be on and functioning - even if the house is vacant. You’ll also want to make sure the pilots are lit on water heaters, furnaces and gas fireplaces. Part of the inspection process includes testing items that utilize these services, and if the inspector can’t test these items, they may need to reschedule. And a reschedule could potentially delay closing.

Make appropriate areas accessible
The inspector will need access to areas you might not regularly get to such as attics, crawl spaces, fireplaces, electrical panels, and mechanical rooms. So, if the electrical panel is in the garage hidden behind a freezer, you will need to move the freezer before the inspection. Secondly, the inspector will need to be able to access individual items in these areas. So, if your mechanical room doubles as a storage room, make sure the inspector can get to the furnace and/or water heater without having to move your Christmas decorations.

Leave any additional keys
If you have any areas that may have locks requiring a key other than the front door, be sure to leave them behind. This could include outside sheds, detached garages, fence gates, electrical panel covers, etc. Again, the idea is to makes sure the inspector has access to all of the areas and items they need to inspect.

Empty the dishwasher and washer/dryer
If these items are included in the sale, the inspector will need to run these appliances for basic functionality. However, they cannot do so properly if they are full of dishes and clothes.

Replace burned out light bulbs
The inspector won’t know if the bulb is burned out, if the problem is with the switch, or if the fixture is bad. A functional light bulb will eliminate the question and help the inspection go smoother.

Ensure smoke detectors and CO detectors are installed and working
The state of Colorado requires CO detectors outside of bedroom areas when selling a home. If any smoke detectors are missing or inoperable, repair or replace them.

Vacate the premises (you and your pets)
A home inspector is hired by the buyer to be their advocate. As such, most buyers attend the home inspection and walk around with the inspector. It is very awkward for the buyers when the seller of the home is present. This goes for pets, too. Consider taking them with you, and if for some reason you can’t, put them in a kennel or secure area of the home. Be sure to leave a note for the inspector to avoid your pet accidentally getting let out of the home. And be prepared to be gone awhile. Home inspections can last a minimum of 3 hours, but this gives everyone the chance to perform the inspection and talk through the results privately.

Preparing for the Home Inspection: A Checklist - Jennifer Mencl - ...