Hmm, true about structural stuff being priority, but wouldn't a messy kitchen still raise eyebrows about general upkeep? Maybe a quick wipe-down wouldn't hurt... inspectors are human too, right?
Had a similar experience last year—kitchen was a disaster zone, and I figured structural stuff was all they'd care about. Inspector walked in, glanced around, and casually mentioned, "Busy week, huh?" Felt kinda judged, honestly. A quick wipe-down or at least clearing clutter really can shape their overall impression. They're trained to notice details, but they're human too... and first impressions stick.
"They're trained to notice details, but they're human too... and first impressions stick."
Haha, so true. When we had ours, I shoved half the clutter into the pantry—instant tidy kitchen! Inspectors do notice little things, and a quick tidy-up can make the whole vibe friendlier. Worth the effort, IMO.
Haha, I get the impulse to stash clutter away—I’ve done my fair share of pantry stuffing too. But honestly, inspectors have seen it all, and sometimes a quick hide-and-seek cleanup can backfire. Last year, I had an inspector open a closet door (one I thought was safely off-limits) and got hit by a mini avalanche of random kitchen gear and cereal boxes. Awkward doesn't even begin to describe it...
Since then, I've found it’s actually less stressful to just do a quick, strategic clean-up instead of hiding stuff. Here’s my go-to method:
First, grab a big laundry basket or box and do a quick sweep—anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen goes straight in there. Shoes, mail, kids’ toys... whatever. Then, wipe down the counters and sink with something citrusy or fresh-smelling. Inspectors might not consciously notice a clean scent, but subconsciously it makes the place feel more cared-for.
Next, stack dishes neatly—even if they're dirty, just having them organized in the sink or dishwasher makes things look intentional. And finally, clear the fridge magnets and random notes off the fridge door. It sounds silly, but a clutter-free fridge front instantly makes the kitchen look tidier.
I mean, inspectors definitely notice details, but they're also looking at bigger stuff like plumbing, wiring, or structural issues. A spotless kitchen isn't gonna fool them if there's a leaky pipe or faulty outlet. Still, giving the space a quick once-over can help you feel more relaxed during the inspection. Just maybe avoid the pantry avalanche strategy... trust me on that one.
Honestly, inspectors aren't there to judge your housekeeping skills. I'd skip the citrusy wipe-down—most commercial cleaners have harsh chemicals anyway. Just tidy enough to give them clear access to what they actually need to inspect. Less hassle, less stress.
