Once you've prepared your home for sale, listed it, and received on offer, the next step is getting ready for the home inspection. Home inspections are important to buyers and sellers because inspections can detect potential problems like foundation cracks, air leaks, roofing defects, and more. Here are four steps you can take to get your home ready for the inspector.

Give Access to the Home

Make sure the home inspector has access to all areas of the home. Gates and doors should be unlocked and any objects that are blocking walkways should be removed. Don't forget to make sure there's clear access to the crawlspace, attic, garage, and heating system. Make the inspector's job as easy as possible by thinking ahead. Is a crawlspace accessed through a closet? Remove shoes and boxes as well as clothes hanging overhead. Will a pet be home during the inspection? Make sure the pet is crated or contained so the inspector can inspect the yard.

Gather Paperwork

It's a good idea to create a file with any documentation you have on repairs and maintenance that has been performed on the home. This may include furnace inspections, receipts for roof repairs, insurance claim information, and sketches of the location of a septic system, and anything else that is relevant.

Remove Clutter

It will help the inspector do his or her job if your home is as free of clutter as possible. Remove items from beneath the sinks and move anything that blocks access to the water heater, HVAC system, and appliances. The washer and dryer should be cleared out because the inspector will need to test them. Don't leave dirty clothes or messes near crawlspaces or anywhere the inspector will be forced to move them to do the job.

DIY Inspection

Plumbing problems, electrical issues, and signs of foundation failure can all make your home harder to sell. Test your home’s systems to make sure everything’s in working order. Check out the walls of your home, both inside and outside, for cracks which could signify foundation failure. A specialist from Safe-Guard Waterproofing says keeping an eye out for signs of foundation failure is one of the best things you can do to prevent future problems. By doing a DIY inspection prior to paying an inspector, you may be able to identify some problem areas you can address on your own.

Get the Roof in Shape

The home inspector will check your roof for missing shingles, water damage, flashing damage, chimney problems, and more. Make sure your roof is cleared of any debris, but avoid using a pressure washer. It's a good idea to replace missing or damaged shingles before the home is inspected. Clean out the gutters and repair any damage.

Finally, it can help to prepare yourself mentally. Home inspectors always find some issue, but most problems are minor and easy enough to fix. It's in your best interest to get your home ready for the home inspection by looking for problems ahead of time and addressing them so they don't become a point of negotiation for the buyer.