Aaron Marjala is an American business owner from Wisconsin who owns and operates Tri County Inspection & Environmental and MoldSafe. His work includes home inspections, mold and radon testing, environmental checks, and related property services.
Aaron Marjala explains six simple ways to prepare for a home inspection. It covers cleaning and clearing important areas, keeping utilities working, providing access to key spaces, fixing small problems, checking for water and moisture issues, and preparing property records. These steps can help make the inspection easier and more complete. Proper preparation also helps homeowners understand their property's condition, find maintenance needs, and reduce avoidable problems during the inspection process.
1. Clean and Clear the Main Areas
A clean and organized home makes it easier to inspect different parts of the property. Remove boxes, furniture, stored items, and other objects that block access to walls, windows, electrical panels, heating equipment, and plumbing areas. Keep hallways, stairways, and rooms free from clutter so the inspector can move around safely. Outdoor areas should also be cleared around important features such as the foundation, electrical equipment, air conditioning units, and drainage areas. A clear property allows the inspector to reach more areas and perform a more complete inspection. Cleaning does not mean making the home look perfect. The main goal is to provide safe and easy access to areas that need to be checked.
2. Make Sure Utilities Are Working
The main utilities should be turned on before the inspection. Electricity, water, gas, heating, and cooling systems may need to be checked during the inspection. When these services are active, the inspector can test many of the home's basic systems and equipment. If a utility is turned off, some parts of the inspection may not be possible. Check that the electrical service is active and that water is available at the fixtures. Heating and cooling systems should also have normal access. If a system is not working or cannot be operated, make sure the inspector is aware of the situation. Having working utilities helps provide a more complete view of the property's condition.
3. Provide Access to Important Areas
Many important parts of a home are located in areas that are not used every day. These can include the attic, basement, crawl space, garage, electrical panel, water heater, furnace, and other mechanical areas. Make sure these spaces can be reached easily before the inspection begins. Unlock doors and gates and move items that prevent access. If the electrical panel or water heater is inside a storage area, clear enough space around it for inspection. Access to these areas is important because they often contain major parts of the home's structure and systems. When these spaces are easy to reach, the inspection can be completed more efficiently.
4. Take Care of Small Repairs
Small maintenance problems should be addressed before the inspection when possible. Loose fixtures, damaged screens, leaking faucets, missing covers, broken handles, and other simple issues can affect the overall condition of the property. Check doors and windows to make sure they open and close properly. Look for visible water leaks under sinks and around plumbing fixtures. Replace missing light bulbs so built-in lighting can be checked. Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are installed where required and have working batteries. Taking care of basic maintenance can improve the condition of the property and reduce the number of easily preventable problems found during the inspection.
5. Check for Signs of Water and Moisture
Water and moisture can cause serious damage when they are not managed properly. Before an inspection, check areas where moisture problems may develop, including basements, bathrooms, kitchens, ceilings, walls, and areas around windows. Look for water stains, damp surfaces, damaged materials, peeling paint, or signs of leaks. Outside the home, check gutters and downspouts to make sure water is directed away from the foundation. The ground around the property should also allow water to drain away from the building. Addressing known moisture problems before an inspection can help protect the property from further damage. Good drainage and regular maintenance are important parts of keeping a home in good condition.
6. Prepare Property Records and Information
Important property records can help provide useful information during an inspection. Keep documents related to repairs, maintenance, renovations, permits, warranties, and major equipment available when possible. Information about heating and cooling systems, roofing work, plumbing repairs, electrical work, or other major improvements can help provide a clearer history of the property. Manuals for major appliances and systems may also be useful. Make a list of known problems or recent repairs so important information is not forgotten. Organized records do not replace the inspection, but they can help explain the condition and history of different parts of the home. Good records also make it easier to plan future maintenance.
Conclusion
Preparing for a home inspection does not require major work or expensive changes. Simple steps such as clearing access areas, checking utilities, handling basic repairs, looking for moisture, and organizing property records can make the inspection more effective. A well-prepared property gives the inspector better access to important systems and areas. It also helps homeowners understand the condition of their property and identify maintenance needs. Proper preparation supports a smoother inspection process and can help ensure that important parts of the home receive the attention they need.
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