Getting Ready for an Inspection  

• Confirm that the gas, water and electricity are turned on and that the gas pilot lights are burning.
• Ensure all pets won't hinder the inspection and inform everyone about pets to be kept inside.
• Replace all burned out light bulbs.
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary.
• Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters and verify that the filters fit properly and are secured in place.
• Move wood, stored items or debris away from the exterior foundation walls.
• Unlock or remove locks from any items the inspector must access such as fence gates, windows, attic
• access hatches or doors, electric service panels, special closets, crawl space access for pier-and-beam
•  homes.
• Confirm areas and components are accessible by removing items blocking access to garage electric service panels, sinks and bathtubs, ovens and cook tops, dishwasher, heating and air-conditioning equipment, water heaters, ground fault (GFCI) receptacles, attic access ladders or hatches, crawl space access for pier and-beam-construction.
• Trim tree limbs back from the roof and shrubs away from the house.
• Repair or replace broken, damaged or missing items such as door knobs, locks and laches, window locks and broken glass, window screens, anti-siphon devices on exterior faucets, rain gutters and downspouts (clean if necessary), chimney flue caps.
• Remove autos from the garage and driveway.
• Clean ashes from the fireplace and remove items from the fireplace hearth area.