1. Utilities - Turn ALL on! - - Water, Gas, and Electric.

2. Pilot Lights should be lit and burning. This includes the water heater, stove, fireplace, furnace, and any other equipment with a pilot light.

3. Tanks - If your appliances burn propane or fuel oil from a tank, confirm sufficient levels of fuel in the tanks.

4. Alarm - Turn active alarm systems OFF or provide alarm codes.

5. Computers - The inspector may trip GFCI/AFCI breakers or other power circuits on and off. Back up your computer data, then turn the computer off and leave it turned off, to prevent any data loss.

6. Fireplaces - Make sure that they are not obstructed or filled with anything other than faux gas logs.

7. Air Conditioning Vents on floors and/or walls - the inspector may use an infrared measuring tool to check the temperature. Make certain that none of the vents are blocked or obstructed.

8. Electrical Panels/Breaker Boxes - Make sure that nothing is in front of or blocking the Breaker Panel(s). For your safety - 30 inches either side and 36 inches in front of the panel is required.

9. Electric Outlets - Move furniture that is blocking electric outlets. If you have GFCI protected outlets in the kitchen, garage, laundry room, bathrooms, or elsewhere, make sure that nothing is blocking those GFCI outlets. The Inspector will test each circuit.

10. Water Heaters - The path leading to and from the area around the water heater must be clear and safe for the inspector.

11. Pets - It’s best to move pets out of the home during the inspection. Cats and dogs should be kenneled or have them visit a friend.

12. Attics - Make certain that the inspector can get to the attic door, especially if it is inside a closet. Remove/Pack up stored items in the attic - the inspector MUST be able to freely move around inside the attic to prevent injury to the inspector and the property or belongings.

13. Crawl Spaces and Basements - Just like the attic, the inspector must be able to enter and freely move around in the crawl space. Unlock the access door.

14. Contact - If the Seller or the Listing Agent will not be present during the Inspection, give the seller's cell phone number to the inspector, in case the Inspector has any questions.

15. Keys and Codes - Provide keys to all doors; keys to all gates; leave the garage door opener, provide any gate codes.

16. Garage - Move your cars out of the garage. Park them on the street or drive...or at a neighbor's house.

17. Exterior of the House - Trim bushes and plants away from water faucets and exterior dryer vents, and especially clear around the Air Conditioner and the Main Electric Meter.

18. Filters - Clean or replace all filters. This includes the AC filters, filters in the range hood, and other filters in the house.

19. Bathrooms - Remove everything from the tub or shower, and remove items that may be on top of the toilet tank lid. Most inspectors open the tank lid. Remove items from the vanity cabinet under the sink that might block the view and inspection of water shut-off valves.

20. Kitchen Sink - Remove dishes from the sink. Remove enough items from the cabinet under the sink and ensure access that the Inspector can access the water shut-off valves.

21. Kitchen Appliances - Remove dishes from the dishwasher, remove all pots and pans from the stove and the oven. Inspectors often inspect for tip brackets and may need to move the appliance.

22. Laundry Room - Remove clothes from the washer and dryer (if these appliances are included in the sale). Don’t leave clothes hanging on laundry doorway, cabinet doors or in areas that might prevent the inspector from accessing an electric panel or other components that need opening or operating - example: doors and windows.

23. Light Bulbs - Replace any burned-out light bulbs. The inspector may report it as a broken fixture in need of repair.

24. Smoke Detectors - Install new batteries. Test them before the inspector arrives.

25. Documents and Permits for work done on the house - have the paperwork and receipts for all repairs or upgrades to the house, such as the new roof, new windows, an addition, or an enclosed porch or garage. Have any building permits that were required for work done on the house.

26. Seller's Disclosures (that your Listing Agent asked you to complete when you put the house up for sale) - Have these available for the Inspector to review.

27. Let the Inspector work! Give them plenty of room.