Summary

24 items · 1–2 hours

Why Prep Work Pays Off

A professional home inspection is one of the most useful tools available to homeowners — whether you're preparing to sell, refinancing, or simply want a clear picture of your property's condition. But what many homeowners don't realize is that the inspector's findings are partly a reflection of how well the home has been maintained over time.

Walking through your own home with a checklist before the professional arrives serves two purposes. First, it often surfaces small issues you can fix quickly — a burnt-out light bulb that would otherwise be flagged as a potential wiring concern, or a smoke detector with a dead battery. Second, it trains your eye to see your home the way an inspector does, giving you a clearer sense of its overall condition.

This checklist covers the areas most commonly noted in residential inspection reports. It is not a substitute for a professional inspection, and it won't catch everything an experienced inspector will. Think of it as a rehearsal — a chance to get your home presenting its best self. For broader home improvement guidance, our hub covers renovation and upkeep topics in more depth.

Know Your Limits Before You Start

This checklist is intended for general observation, not DIY repair of electrical, structural, gas, or roofing systems. If your walkthrough reveals a potential issue with wiring, gas lines, the foundation, or the roof structure, do not attempt to repair or conceal it yourself. Disclose concerns to your inspector and, where needed, engage a licensed professional. Unpermitted or unsafe work can create serious liability and safety hazards.

Tools You'll Need

You don't need specialized equipment to work through this checklist, but having a few basics on hand will make the process faster and more thorough.

Required

Flashlight or headlamp

Essential for inspecting dim areas including attics, crawl spaces, under sinks, and the back of cabinets.

Required

Notepad or phone

Record issues as you find them so you have a reference list when speaking with the professional inspector.

Required

Step ladder

Needed to safely access the attic hatch, inspect gutters at eave level, and check high ceiling fixtures.

Optional

GFCI outlet tester

A simple plug-in device that confirms whether outlets are wired correctly and whether GFCI protection is functioning.

Required

Replacement batteries (9V and AA)

Have spares on hand to replace dead batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during your walkthrough.

Optional

Spare HVAC air filter

Replace the existing filter before the inspection to demonstrate routine maintenance and improve airflow readings.

The Checklist

Work through each category below systematically. Note anything you can't repair yourself — that information will be useful context when you review the inspector's report. If you discover a significant issue during your own walkthrough and plan to hire someone to address it, see our guide on vetting contractors before signing to protect yourself.

Safety Devices

Test every smoke detector in the home and replace batteries in any unit that chirps or fails to respond. Must
Test every carbon monoxide detector and confirm it is within its manufacturer's service life (typically 5–7 years). Must
Locate your electrical panel and confirm it is accessible, clearly labeled, and free of scorch marks or corrosion. Must
Test all GFCI outlets (typically found in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and exterior) using their built-in test buttons. Must

Plumbing and Water

Run every faucet and check under each sink cabinet for signs of dripping, staining, or soft cabinet floors indicating past leaks. Must
Flush every toilet and confirm it refills promptly and fully stops running within 60 seconds. Must
Check the water heater for rust-colored water, corrosion around fittings, or visible sediment buildup at the base. Should
Look for water stains on ceilings and walls, especially below bathrooms or in areas adjacent to exterior walls. Must

Exterior and Roof

Walk the perimeter and look for cracked or missing caulk around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim. Should
Check gutters and downspouts for blockages, sagging sections, or gaps where they pull away from the fascia. Should
From the ground, scan the roof for missing, curling, or visibly damaged shingles and note any moss or algae growth. Must
Confirm that the ground slopes away from the foundation on all sides to direct water away from the home. Should

Interior and Structural

Open and close every interior and exterior door; note any that stick, don't latch properly, or show visible gaps at the frame. Should
Check all windows for broken seals (foggy glass between panes), damaged screens, and smooth operation of locks. Should
Walk slowly across all floors listening and feeling for soft spots, excessive bounce, or squeaking that could suggest subfloor issues. Should
Inspect the basement or crawl space for standing water, efflorescence (white mineral deposits on concrete), or visible mold. Must

HVAC Systems

Replace the HVAC air filter if it hasn't been changed within the past 90 days — a dirty filter can suggest deferred maintenance. Must
Turn on the heating and cooling system and confirm air flows from all registers and the system reaches its set temperature. Must
Check that dryer venting exhausts to the exterior and that the duct is not blocked, kinked, or made of plastic flex tubing. Should
Confirm the kitchen exhaust fan vents to the outside and that the fan operates without excessive noise or vibration. Nice to have

Access and Logistics

Unlock or clear access to the attic hatch, electrical panel, crawl space entry, and water heater so the inspector can reach them without delay. Must
Move stored items away from walls in the basement, garage, and utility areas to give the inspector unobstructed sight lines. Should
Replace any burnt-out light bulbs throughout the home so the inspector can verify that fixtures work as intended. Should
Arrange for pets to be secured or off-site during the inspection to avoid distractions and liability concerns. Nice to have

Don't Attempt to Hide Issues

It can be tempting to paint over a stain or place furniture in front of a damaged wall before an inspection. Experienced inspectors are trained to spot these cover-ups, and concealing a known defect from a buyer can expose you to legal liability after the sale. Document what you find honestly and disclose it appropriately.

After Your Walkthrough

Once you've completed your own review, make note of anything you couldn't fix or couldn't access. Inspectors appreciate homeowners who leave a brief note explaining, for example, that an attic hatch is stiff or that a crawl space light needs a new bulb. It signals that you're an attentive owner and helps the inspector account for access issues in their report.

Keep in mind that even a well-prepared home will likely have some findings — that's the point of a professional inspection. The goal of this checklist isn't to pass or fail anything; it's to ensure that the report your inspector produces is as accurate and useful as possible, free from minor distractions that could obscure more meaningful findings.

If the inspection is connected to a property purchase decision, our pre-purchase checklist can help you think through the broader decision framework before committing.

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The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.