10 Easy Fixes Before Your Home Inspection

10 Easy Fixes Before Your Home Inspection: A Seller’s Checklist from West Egg Inspections and Home Services

If you're preparing to sell your home, there's a good chance you're feeling anxious about the upcoming home inspection. That’s completely normal—and you're not alone. Even we at West Egg Inspections and Home Services—with our deep knowledge of home systems and years of experience—know how stressful this stage of the selling process can be. The truth is, a home inspection report can make or break a deal, especially when it turns up simple issues that could have easily been avoided.

The good news? Most of the issues we find in inspections are small, routine items—things that can be handled in an afternoon with a basic tool kit and a little effort. To help sellers prepare, we’ve put together a list of 10 easy, actionable tasks that can reduce red flags on your home inspection report and streamline the process.

And here’s a bonus tip: consider a pre-listing inspection. This is a proactive step where a certified inspector—like one from West Egg—conducts a full home inspection before you list. This allows you to address issues ahead of time and avoid surprises. The National Association of REALTORS even recommends it. But if time is tight, these 10 tasks are a great place to start.

1. ✅ Smoke Alarms: Location, Function, and Age

What we check: Smoke alarms must be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home—including the basement. They should be operational and under 10 years old.

What you can do:

• Test each alarm by pressing the test button—listen for a loud, steady beep.

• Replace batteries if needed, and replace the unit entirely if it's over 10 years old. (Tip: look on the back for a manufacture date.)

• If your alarms are yellowed, that’s a visual cue they’ve aged past their prime.

• Make sure alarms are installed on ceilings or high on walls, following manufacturer guidelines for spacing from air vents or windows.

Why it matters: Smoke alarms save lives—and failing this item creates a poor first impression of maintenance habits.

2. 🚨 Carbon Monoxide Alarms: A Legal and Life-Saving Must

What we check: CO alarms are required within 10 feet of each bedroom, regardless of whether the home has gas appliances or a fireplace.

What you can do:

• Confirm they’re present and working properly. Press the test button to be sure.

• Replace any CO alarms that are more than 7–10 years old (again, check the back).

• Battery-only, plug-in, or combo smoke/CO units are all acceptable.

• Mounting on a wall or shelf is acceptable—there are no height requirements.

Why it matters: Many states (like Minnesota) legally require them, and buyers often ask to have missing ones installed before closing.

3. 🪜 Handrails: Don’t Let Stairs Trip You Up

What we check: Stairways with four or more risers must have a secure handrail on at least one side.

What you can do:

• Walk through your home and count the steps anywhere there’s a change in level—exterior decks, garage steps, interior stairs.

• If missing, install a secure handrail. It should be easy to grasp (circular is ideal), continuous, and anchored to studs.

• Avoid just slapping up a 2x4 or something decorative—function and safety matter.

Why it matters: Falls are a top cause of injury. Missing handrails almost always appear on our inspection reports and can raise buyer concerns about safety.

4. 🍂 Gutters: Don’t Let Neglect Lead to Rot

What we check: We look for clean, properly functioning gutters that drain away from the foundation.

What you can do:

• Clear out leaves, pine needles, and debris to ensure water flows freely.

• Run water through with a hose to test functionality.

• Check for leaks at seams and joints and re-seal with gutter caulk if necessary.

Why it matters: Clogged gutters lead to water damage, fascia rot, and basement leaks. It’s one of the first things buyers and inspectors notice.

5. 💧 Downspout Extensions: Keep Water Away from Your Foundation

What we check: We ensure that downspouts are connected and direct water at least 6 feet away from the home.

What you can do:

• Add or reconnect missing extensions.

• Use splash blocks or flexible tubing if necessary.

• Avoid letting water dump right next to the foundation—it can undermine it over time.

Why it matters: Water pooling near the home can lead to costly foundation issues. A $10 extension today can prevent thousands in repairs later.

6. ⚡ GFCI Outlets: Safety First in Wet Zones

What we check: GFCIs are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements, and exterior outlets.

What you can do:

• Press the test button—power should cut out. Plug in a lamp or device to confirm.

• Press reset to restore power.

• If the outlet doesn’t reset or stays dead, replace it or call an electrician.

Why it matters: This is a major safety feature. Faulty or missing GFCIs are nearly always noted in reports and often flagged as a must-fix item.

7. 💡 Light Bulbs: Let There Be Light (and Less Suspicion)

What we check: Burned-out bulbs can be interpreted as faulty fixtures or bad wiring.

What you can do:

• Walk through the home and replace every bulb—interior and exterior.

• Use consistent color temperatures (e.g., all warm white) for a clean, unified look.

• Don’t forget basement stairways, closets, porch lights, and garages.

Why it matters: A simple burnt-out bulb can make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained.

8. 🛠️ Outlet and Switch Cover Plates: A 2-Minute Fix That Shows You Care

What we check: Every outlet and switch should have an intact cover plate.

What you can do:

• Buy a multipack at the hardware store for under $5.

• Look especially in garages, basements, behind furniture, and near utility rooms.

• Install covers securely—loose plates won’t cut it.

Why it matters: Exposed wiring is a safety hazard. It also makes your home feel unfinished or poorly maintained.

9. 🌬️ Furnace Filter: A Clean Filter Reflects a Clean System

What we check: We check for dirty or clogged furnace filters, which can reduce system performance.

What you can do:

• Replace the filter—even if it looks "okay." New filters cost $5–$20 depending on the size and MERV rating.

• Take note of the airflow arrow and installation direction.

• Vacuum around the filter area for bonus points.

Why it matters: Dirty filters make inspectors and buyers question whether the HVAC system has been properly serviced. A clean one says, "I take care of my home."

10. 🧊 Air Conditioner Coil: Show Your HVAC Some Love

What we check: We inspect the outdoor condenser coil for debris, dirt, and restricted airflow.

What you can do:

• Turn off power to the unit.

• Use a garden hose (no pressure washer!) to gently rinse the coil fins from the inside out.

• Remove grass clippings, cottonwood fluff, leaves, and spiderwebs.

Why it matters: A clean coil helps your system run efficiently. A neglected one can lead to overheating, high energy bills, or worse—system failure.

Final Thoughts from West Egg Inspections and Home Services

At West Egg Inspections, our goal is to make your home inspection experience smooth, stress-free, and successful. The reality is that most home inspection reports include at least a few of these common issues—but the good news is that you can fix them before they ever make the list.

Doing this small amount of legwork:

• Reduces the chance of unexpected negotiation delays

• Helps your home show better and feel well-cared-for

• Gives buyers peace of mind

• And ultimately, makes your sale go more smoothly

Want even more peace of mind? Consider a pre-listing inspection with our team. We’ll walk through every system, give you a report on what a buyer’s inspector will likely flag, and help you avoid surprises.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. Let West Egg Inspections help you take the guesswork out of the process. A little preparation goes a long way—and a clean inspection report speaks volumes.

Contact us today at West Egg Inspections and Home Services to schedule a pre-listing walkthrough, ask questions, or get help with your inspection prep checklist.