Everyone is always so worried about the home inspection. These guys are not to be feared. They are simply going thru the systems and structure of a house to make sure everything is functioning properly and if not, give suggestions on how it can. If they see something that is major, they would recommend that someone from that field look at it. Example, a crack in the foundation that seems more than settlement, plumbing or electrical that seems dangerous. Most homeowners know what is wrong with their house. (if its major), the rest of what they find are just things that could be improved upon. It is not a pass or fail type thing and most banks dont even require a home inspection, its the buyer that does this for their own peace of mind.

Other than fix things you know are broken, I'd say paint over signs of water drips. If you had a sink overflow and it stained the ceiling below, the inspector will note that and will have no way of knowing if it represents a chronic problem or a one-off long ago repaired.

If you are the selling homeowner and the inspector was arranged by the buyer, You can expect a person walking around, looking at systems, and not telling you anything. The buyer gets the info/ report.

I'd like to add and strongly suggest that a good inspector looks at the exterior, and the garage, and the attic, and the crawl space. Fix known issues before the inspector shows up. Good luck.

I agree! Have your house checked before you have the inspection. The buyers will use it to get you to fix every little thing.

I hired my own inspector, then had a handiman fix the little things that might create a problem. I was lucky I did that.

The buyers inspector thought there was a problem with our fireplace and said the chimney had a large crack and needed to be fixed.

Luckily, I had my chimney cleaned prior to the inspection by the same person we used for 20 years. He met with the buyers and their inspector and assured them that the crack was on the facade and not the interior.

They bought the house.

Jane

I think there's good reason a homeowner should be worried about a home inspection even if they have the perfect home. Some inspectors nit pick every little thing to arm the buyers with alleged negoitation power.

Homegal- in a lot of markets, the home inspectors (concerned with value/loan closings/city codes- are really spotty. "Some inspectors nit pick"- so true. Others will leave issues that can bite a homeowner, later, since they're on the "low end" of code- passed, but maybe not good for you.

I suggest you hire your own, independent home inspector to check it all out. Let them check it all out, from an unbiased, yet friendly to "you" manner. Since you pay, they work for you. If you find a good, reputable one, they'll walk you through the difference between cosmetic and structural issues. They'll tell you the difference between "ticky-tac" and problems in the future.

Doesn't cost a fortune. But then- You can make good decisions, with that sort of report.