For Sellers
The Seller's Home Inspection Checklist
A pre-listing walkthrough built for homeowners in Long Island and all five NYC boroughs. Knock these items out before the buyer's inspector arrives and you'll head off the small stuff that most often derails a smooth closing.
Why sellers get inspected first
A pre-listing inspection catches issues while you still control the timeline and the contractors. You go into negotiations with receipts instead of surprises, and buyers see a home that has been cared for.
Exterior & Roof
- Clear gutters and downspouts; make sure water drains away from the foundation.
- Trim tree limbs and shrubs 3–6 ft away from the roof and siding.
- Replace missing shingles, exposed nails, and worn flashing around chimneys and vents.
- Reseal cracked caulking around windows, doors, and trim.
- Repair loose railings, rotted deck boards, and wobbly steps.
- Regrade soil so it slopes away from the house — a common inspector call-out.
Foundation, Basement & Crawlspace
- Clear access to the electrical panel, water heater, furnace, and crawlspace hatch.
- Fix visible cracks, efflorescence, and any signs of water intrusion.
- Run the dehumidifier and address musty odors before inspection day.
- Move stored items 3 ft away from mechanical systems.
Plumbing
- Fix dripping faucets, running toilets, and slow drains.
- Re-caulk tubs, showers, and around sink bases.
- Label the main water shutoff and any well pump switches.
- Flush the water heater if it hasn't been done in the last year.
- Confirm there are no active leaks under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Electrical
- Replace burned-out bulbs so the inspector can test every fixture.
- Install GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior locations.
- Add cover plates to any open outlets, switches, and junction boxes.
- Remove extension cords being used as permanent wiring.
- Label the breaker panel clearly.
HVAC
- Replace the furnace and air handler filters.
- Have the system serviced and keep the receipt to share with the buyer.
- Clear 3 ft of space around the outdoor condenser.
- Test the thermostat in both heat and cool modes.
Interior
- Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector; replace batteries.
- Repair torn window screens and broken window seals.
- Make sure every door latches and locks properly.
- Patch drywall cracks and touch up paint in high-visibility areas.
- Ensure the attic hatch is accessible and unblocked.
Kitchen & Appliances
- Run the dishwasher, oven, microwave, and range hood to confirm they work.
- Clean the range hood filter and refrigerator coils.
- Test the garbage disposal and check under the sink for leaks.
Safety & Documents
- Leave keys or codes for any locked utility rooms, sheds, or gates.
- Crate or remove pets on the morning of the inspection.
- Gather permits, warranties, and recent service records for HVAC, roof, and septic.
- For Long Island homes: have well and septic pumping/service records ready.
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