Totally agree that inspectors aren't there to critique your cleaning habits. Last year, when we had our kitchen remodel inspected, I went into full panic mode—scrubbing counters, polishing faucets, the whole nine yards. But when the inspector showed up, he barely glanced at my sparkling surfaces. Instead, he was laser-focused on plumbing connections, electrical outlets, and ventilation. Lesson learned: tidy enough is definitely good enough.
One thing I'd add though—if you're worried about harsh chemicals (I hear you on that!), vinegar diluted with water works wonders for quick wipe-downs. It's eco-friendly, cheap, and leaves things smelling fresh without that artificial citrus scent. Plus, inspectors seem to appreciate not having to navigate around clutter or sticky surfaces...makes their job easier and your day less stressful overall.
Good call on the vinegar trick—it's a lifesaver. Most inspectors I've worked with don't even blink at a little mess, they're just relieved if they can easily reach everything they need to check out. Quick tip though: have you (or anyone else here) ever had an inspector point out something totally unexpected? Always curious about those surprise curveballs...
I've definitely had inspectors notice things I never even thought about—like a random gap behind the fridge or outdated smoke detectors. But honestly, most are pretty chill if you're upfront and ask questions...sounds like you've got this covered though!
Inspectors definitely have their quirks... I've had some point out stuff that seemed totally random at first, but later made sense. Like, one time an inspector noticed the dishwasher drain hose wasn't looped high enough under the sink—never even crossed my mind to check that. Apparently, it's a code thing to prevent backflow. Who knew?
Anyway, since your kitchen's still messy, I'd focus on the stuff inspectors usually zero in on. Have you checked under the sink for leaks or loose plumbing connections? Are your outlets GFCI protected, especially near water sources? Inspectors love catching that one. Also, make sure your stove has an anti-tip bracket installed—it's a small detail that's easy to overlook but often flagged.
Honestly, if your kitchen's just cluttered or messy, most inspectors won't care much about aesthetics. They're usually more concerned about safety and functionality. But if you're worried about something specific, maybe just ask upfront when they arrive. Most inspectors appreciate questions because it shows you're proactive and care about maintaining the property.
One other thing—do you have any appliances blocking access to electrical panels or shut-off valves? Inspectors tend to get picky if they can't easily reach critical areas. Might be worth a quick check tonight just to be safe.
Good luck tomorrow... sounds like you're already pretty prepared though.
"Also, make sure your stove has an anti-tip bracket installed—it's a small detail that's easy to overlook but often flagged."
Yeah, inspectors definitely have their pet peeves. I remember scrambling last-minute to install one of those brackets after a friend warned me about it. Saved me a headache for sure. Speaking of overlooked stuff, have you double-checked your range hood venting? Mine was venting into the attic (oops), and the inspector wasn't thrilled...
