What to Expect at Your Home Inspection (and How to Prepare)

🏠 What to Expect at Your Home Inspection (and How to Prepare)

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—and the home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth, understanding what to expect (and how to prepare) can help the inspection go smoothly and save you from surprises later.

Here’s what Kansas City buyers and sellers should know.

🔍 What Happens During a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a detailed, top-to-bottom look at the property’s condition, usually performed by a licensed inspector. They’ll check major systems and components, including:

• The roof, gutters, and attic
  
  
• Foundation, basement, and structure
  
  
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
  
  
• Walls, windows, and doors
  
  
• Appliances and safety features
  
  

The inspector’s goal isn’t to “pass” or “fail” the home—it’s to identify issues that might need repair or attention.

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed written report outlining any concerns, from small maintenance items to larger structural issues.

🧰 How Buyers Can Prepare

1. Be There in Person – If possible, attend the inspection. Walking through the home with your inspector helps you understand issues firsthand and ask questions in real time.
   
   
2. Bring a Notepad – Write down anything you want to remember or clarify later.
   
   
3. Stay Objective – No home is perfect! The key is understanding which issues are minor fixes and which are major red flags.
   
   

🏡 How Sellers Can Prepare

A clean, accessible home helps the inspection go faster and smoother. Here’s how to get ready:

• Unlock all areas – Ensure basements, attics, garages, and utility closets are easy to access.
  
  
• Replace burnt-out bulbs – This prevents inspectors from mistaking a non-working fixture for an electrical issue.
  
  
• Check smoke detectors and filters – Make sure safety items are up to date.
  
  
• Clean up the yard – Trim shrubs away from the foundation and clear debris around the house.
  
  
• Handle small repairs – Fix leaky faucets, loose handrails, and sticky doors ahead of time.
  
  

These small steps show the inspector—and the buyer—that the home has been well cared for.

💬 After the Inspection

Once the report is in, your agent will help you review it carefully. From there, you’ll decide whether to:

• Request repairs from the seller
  
  
• Negotiate a credit or price adjustment
  
  
• Move forward as-is
  
  

Your real estate agent’s expertise is key during this phase—they’ll help you determine which items are reasonable to address and which are just part of homeownership.

🌟 The Bottom Line

A home inspection provides peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. It’s your opportunity to make informed decisions, avoid costly surprises, and move into your new Kansas City home with confidence.

Whether you’re buying or selling, having an experienced local professional on your side makes all the difference.

📞 Contact Ken Hoover with the Ken Hoover Real Estate Group at Keller Williams for expert guidance through every step of the process.
📱 Phone: 816-210-2027
📧 Email: kenhooversells@gmail.com