If you've decided to get ahead of the sale with a pre-listing inspection, a little preparation goes a long way. Making systems accessible and the home ready means the inspector can evaluate everything thoroughly and you get the most complete picture of your home's condition. Acadiana Home Inspectors has guided Acadiana sellers through this process since 1995. Here's how to get ready.
What Should Sellers Do to Prepare for a Home Inspection in Lafayette?
Give the inspector clear access to everything and make sure the home is ready to be evaluated:
- Turn on all utilities — electricity, gas, and water
- Make sure pilot lights are lit so heating and appliances can be tested
- Clear access to the electrical panel, water heater, HVAC, and attic access
- Move stored items away from walls, crawlspace hatches, and under-sink areas
- Secure pets or arrange for them to be off-site
- Replace burned-out light bulbs so fixtures can be tested
Our downloadable Seller Preparation Checklist walks through all of this — find it on our resources page.
What Systems Does a Pre-Listing Inspector Evaluate?
The same visible and accessible systems and components covered in any thorough inspection: roof, exterior, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, attic, insulation, and interior. For the complete list, see our home inspection checklist.
One thing worth knowing ahead of time: anything you make accessible can be evaluated, while items blocked by storage, locked doors, or a vehicle in the garage may be noted as “not inspected.” Since the goal of a pre-listing inspection is the most complete picture possible, spending a little time clearing access before inspection day directly improves the value of your report.
How Long Does a Pre-Listing Inspection Take in Acadiana?
Plan for 3 to 4 hours for an average-sized home. Larger, older, or more complex homes take longer, and add-on services such as pool or mold evaluations add time.
We don't rush, and we don't overbook our schedule — taking the time to be thorough is the whole point of inspecting before you list. A rushed, surface-level inspection defeats the purpose: the value of going first is getting the complete picture, so block out the time and let the inspector do the job properly.
What Happens After a Pre-Listing Inspection Report Is Delivered?
You receive a detailed full-color home inspection report organized by system and severity, with photos of every significant finding. From there you have three options for each item: repair it, disclose it, or price the home accordingly.
Most sellers handle the significant items, disclose the minor ones, and keep the report on hand to show serious buyers that the home has already been professionally evaluated. That kind of transparency builds trust early and can head off a lot of back-and-forth later. If you want to turn it into a visible selling point, ask us about our Certified Move-In Ready program.
Should the Seller Be Present During a Pre-Listing Inspection?
You're welcome to be present, though it isn't required. Some sellers like to walk the home at the end to hear the findings explained in person, which is a good chance to ask questions and understand what matters most. Others prefer to secure pets, leave the home accessible, and review the report afterward.
Either way, we're always available to walk you through anything in your report by phone. Our job is to give you a clear, honest picture of the home's condition and make sure you understand it — so you can make confident decisions before your home goes on the market.
How Do I Schedule a Pre-Listing Inspection in Lafayette, LA?
Book online through our scheduling page or call (337) 326-5772. We'll confirm your date, time, and inspector, and send your inspection agreement to review beforehand. We typically have availability within a few days and offer Saturday appointments, so you can fit the inspection in before your listing goes live.
The best time to schedule is early — before you've set a list date — so you have room to act on whatever the report finds. Getting ahead of it is the entire advantage of going first, and a week or two of lead time is usually all it takes to turn findings into a confident, well-prepared listing.
Here Is Why You Can Trust Us
Licensed inspectors Keith Blanchard (LHI #10752) and Andy Stanford (LHI #10916) deliver detailed full-color home inspection reports with clear, plain-English recommendations — the same fair standards for sellers as for buyers, in Acadiana since 1995.