How to Get Your Home Ready for a Home Inspection (and What to Expect)

Selling a home can feel a little like hosting a big event—you want everything to shine, but you also know it doesn’t have to be perfect. One of the most important moments in the selling process is the home inspection, and with a little preparation, it can go smoothly and without unnecessary stress.

At Stonefly Real Estate, we help sellers prepare ahead of time so inspections feel manageable, predictable, and productive—not intimidating.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is typically ordered by the buyer after you’re under contract. A licensed inspector evaluates the home’s major systems and visible components, including:

• Roof and exterior
• Foundation and structure
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and cooling
• Appliances
• Attic, insulation, and ventilation

The goal isn’t to find a “perfect” house—no home is perfect. The goal is to identify material concerns or safety issues.

How Sellers Can Prepare Before the Inspection

✔ Make Sure All Utilities Are ON

All utilities must be turned on at the time of inspection so the inspector can properly evaluate the home’s systems.

• Electricity must be active
• Gas must be on for furnaces, water heaters, and appliances
• Water must be on to test plumbing and fixtures

If utilities are off, portions of the inspection may be incomplete and could require a return visit or create unnecessary buyer concerns.

✔ Make Everything Accessible

• Clear access to the electrical panel
• Unblock furnace, water heater, and HVAC
• Provide access to attic entries and crawl spaces
• Unlock gates, sheds, and garages

✔ Take Care of Small Repairs

• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Fix dripping faucets or running toilets
• Tighten loose door handles or handrails
• Replace HVAC filters
• Ensure smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are working

✔ Clean Doesn’t Mean Perfect—Just Clear

• Clear storage near mechanical systems
• Tidy under sinks
• Remove clutter from garages, basements, and utility rooms

✔ Remove Pets During the Inspection 🐾

For everyone’s safety and to keep the inspection moving smoothly, all pets should be removed from the home during the inspection.

• Arrange for pets to be off-site
• Secure aquariums or small animals if they must remain
• Remove pet beds, food, and litter from access areas

What to Expect During the Inspection

Timing: Most inspections take 2–4 hours.

Who’s there: The buyer and inspector. Sellers usually do not attend.

Afterward, the buyer receives a detailed inspection report—often long and photo-heavy. Many items are minor or routine maintenance, and not everything becomes a negotiation point.

After the Inspection: What Happens Next?

Buyers may:

• Request specific repairs
• Ask for a credit toward closing costs
• Request further evaluation
• Move forward without requesting anything

This is where strategy matters. We help sellers respond calmly, focus on reasonable requests, and keep the deal on track while protecting their bottom line.

A Stonefly Perspective

A home inspection isn’t a test—it’s a conversation. With over 20 years of experience guiding sellers across Northern Utah, Stonefly Real Estate helps you prepare, interpret inspection reports, and negotiate with confidence.

Download the Seller Home Inspection Checklist

Stonefly Real Estate
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