SwiftReporter

Home Inspection Prep Checklist

Choose property type and whether you are preparing as a buyer or seller, then print a free checklist PDF. Useful for inspectors to share with clients before the visit.

Preparing as

Single-family · Buyer checklist

Buyer prep

Show up ready to learn—and leave time to act on the report.

  • Plan 2–4 hours on site.
  • Bring a notepad or notes app for questions
  • Ask about roof age and HVAC service history
  • Review the report with your agent before the contingency deadline
  • Budget for specialists if the report flags roof, electrical, or plumbing concerns
Methodology

Checklist items are general industry prep tips. Property type only tweaks a few lines (for example condo HOA access and townhome shared exteriors). The PDF uses the same sections you see on the page.

  • Seller focus: access, utilities, pets, manuals, and known issues so the inspector can work efficiently.
  • Buyer focus: time on site, questions to ask, report review with your agent, and specialist budget.
  • Condo extras: HOA documents and roof or mechanical-room access when allowed.

General preparation tips only—not legal advice, not a standards-of-practice document, and not a substitute for instructions from your licensed inspector.

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Default home inspection prep checklist

Use this default single-family checklist as a starting point. Switch the tool above for condo or townhome wording, or to flip between buyer and seller views, then download a PDF.

Seller prep

Before the inspector arrives, clear access and leave utilities on.

  • Clear access to the attic, electrical panel, and water heater.
  • Unlock gates and exterior access points
  • Secure pets for the visit
  • Leave utilities on (water, electric, gas)
  • Gather appliance manuals and recent service records
  • Note known issues or recent repairs for the inspector

Buyer prep

Plan time on site and leave room in the budget for follow-up specialists.

  • Plan 2–4 hours on site.
  • Bring a notepad or notes app for questions
  • Ask about roof age and HVAC service history
  • Review the report with your agent before the contingency deadline
  • Budget for specialists if the report flags roof, electrical, or plumbing concerns

Condo extras

Condos add HOA paperwork and access rules.

  • Pull recent HOA docs (budget, reserves, meeting minutes, special assessments)
  • Ask whether roof or mechanical-room access is allowedSome associations require advance notice or staff escort.