Honestly, inspectors can be pretty unpredictable. Had one who barely glanced at my freshly painted walls but spent ages poking around under the sink cabinets—go figure. If your kitchen's still messy, I'd focus on clearing obvious hazards or code violations first (like exposed wiring or plumbing leaks). Cosmetic stuff like clutter or unfinished paint usually isn't a deal-breaker, but safety issues definitely catch their attention. Maybe just tidy up enough to make it look like you're actively working on it... inspectors tend to be more forgiving when they see progress happening. Good luck tomorrow, hope they're not grout-obsessed this time around.
"inspectors tend to be more forgiving when they see progress happening."
This is spot-on advice. I'd also suggest quickly checking your smoke detectors and outlets—inspectors love testing those. Maybe clear a path around appliances or fixtures they're likely to examine closely. I once had an inspector completely ignore my half-painted ceiling but zero in on a loose dishwasher connection. Prioritize safety and functionality first, then tidy up enough to show you're actively tackling the mess. Good luck tomorrow... inspections are always an adventure.
"Prioritize safety and functionality first, then tidy up enough to show you're actively tackling the mess."
Totally agree with this. Inspectors usually care way more about safety than aesthetics. A client of mine once panicked about her unfinished backsplash tiles, but the inspector barely glanced at them—he was busy checking the stove's gas connection instead. Have you double-checked your plumbing under the sink yet? That's another sneaky spot they always seem to poke around...
I get your point, but honestly, tidying up a bit more than just "enough" can make a difference. Inspectors are human too—if your kitchen looks like total chaos, they might start poking around extra carefully, just in case...speaking from experience here.
Yeah, I get that inspectors might look closer if things are messy, but honestly, there's no need to go overboard. Last year, I had an inspector come by when my kitchen was mid-renovation—tools everywhere, paint cans stacked up, the works. I just cleared a path, wiped down surfaces quickly, and made sure nothing hazardous was lying around. Inspector barely blinked. They're mostly checking for safety issues, not judging your housekeeping skills...