Clutter kills momentum. Shoes piled by the door, boxes blocking hallways, bags sprawled across counters—all of it slows the inspector down and makes your home look worse than it is. Clear the path. Sweep, vacuum, wipe down surfaces. Dust doesn't hide. Unlock every gate, garage, and shed before they show up. Pull furniture a few inches off the walls so outlets and trim are visible. The less they have to navigate or shift around, the smoother it goes. Want to know what's on the buyer's radar? Check out what buyers should expect from a home inspection in Flagstaff.
Attic and Crawl Space Access
Inspectors always check the attic and crawl space. These areas hide problems that can derail a sale. Boxes, bins, and old decorations block the view. Clear them out. Loose boards or insulation at the entry slow things down. Make sure ladders or pull-down stairs work and feel safe. Cobwebs and dust make it harder to see what matters. Sweep them away. Leave a flashlight nearby if the lighting is poor. When the inspector can move freely, they spot issues faster and finish sooner. Curious about what we look for in insulation during our inspections? See more about insulation inspection and why it matters in Flagstaff.
- Remove all stored items from attic floors and crawl space entries.
- Check for anything loose or blocking the way.
- Test ladders and stairs for safety.
- Clear cobwebs and sweep dust.
- Keep a flashlight handy for dark corners.
Lights and Outlets Need to Work
Nothing signals a well-kept home like working lights and outlets. Go room by room. Flip every switch. Plug in a phone charger or lamp to test each outlet. Burned-out bulbs and dead outlets raise questions. Replace bulbs and fix simple electrical issues before the inspector arrives. This step keeps the focus on the real condition of the home, not on minor distractions. Want to know what inspectors check in detail? See how electrical system inspections are handled in Flagstaff.
- Test every light switch and replace dead bulbs.
- Plug in a device to check each outlet.
- Fix loose or broken covers.
Label the Electrical Panel
Open an electrical panel and confusion sets in fast if breakers aren’t labeled. Take time to mark each breaker with the room or appliance it controls. Use a permanent marker or printed labels. This step saves time during the inspection and shows you keep up with maintenance. If you’re unsure about labeling or what our inspectors look for, read about how electrical panels are evaluated during a Flagstaff inspection.
- Open the panel and test each breaker.
- Label every switch clearly: kitchen, living room, water heater, etc.
- Replace missing or damaged panel covers.
Handle Small Repairs Before Inspection
Minor issues add up fast on an inspection report. Leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, squeaky hinges, and cracked tiles all stand out. Fixing these problems ahead of time keeps the report short and clean. Inspectors notice when a home is cared for. They also notice when small problems pile up. For a checklist of what to address, see what Flagstaff sellers should fix before a home inspection.
- Tighten loose handles and knobs.
- Oil squeaky hinges.
- Replace cracked tiles or chipped grout.
- Stop drips at sinks and showers.
- Patch small holes in walls.
Check the Big Systems
Inspectors always look at the main systems. Heating and cooling need to turn on and off without trouble. The water heater should be set right and show no leaks. Plumbing needs to run clear, with no slow drains or drips. The roof, siding, and foundation should look solid. Walk the property and look for anything that stands out. A missing shingle, a loose gutter, or a crack in the foundation gets flagged. For a full list of what’s checked, see complete certified home inspections. For details on what’s checked inside, see home interior inspection. If you want to be sure nothing is missed, our team at Aspen Home Inspections can walk you through the process and answer questions about any of these systems.
- Test the furnace and air conditioner.
- Check the water heater for leaks or rust.
- Run all faucets and flush toilets.
- Look for stains or soft spots on ceilings and walls.
- Walk the roof and check for missing shingles or flashing.
- Inspect siding and foundation for cracks or gaps.
What Inspectors Notice Most
Inspectors see hundreds of homes. They spot patterns fast. Homes that feel open, clean, and cared for get better reports. Clutter, blocked access, and ignored repairs slow everything down. When every system works and every space is ready, the inspection moves quickly. The report reflects the real condition of the home, not a list of distractions. Buyers notice this, too. A smooth inspection builds trust and keeps deals on track.
Request a Flagstaff Home Inspection Today
Ready to make your Flagstaff home inspection a breeze? Call 928-600-7761 or contact us to get started with Aspen Home Inspections. We’re here to help you prepare, pass, and move forward with confidence.
.png){kind=logo}