If you plan to sell in Plymouth or Canton, a smart pre-inspection can smooth your timeline, reduce renegotiations, and help you keep more of your net. This guide gives you a clear checklist, grounded in local rules and common inspection findings, so you can decide what to fix, budget, or disclose before you list.

Why a Pre-Inspection Helps Plymouth/Canton Sellers

A pre-listing inspection puts you in control. Instead of reacting to a buyer’s report under pressure, you learn about issues early, fix the high-impact items, and price or disclose the rest. That transparency builds buyer confidence and helps you hold the line during negotiations.

Local rules matter, too. If you or a prior owner finished a basement, added a deck, or replaced mechanicals, make sure permits were pulled and closed with the right municipality before you list. Canton Township issues residential permits through Building & Inspection Services, and many records can be checked online in the CityView portal via Canton’s site. The City of Plymouth’s Community Development department handles permits and inspections for homes in the city on the city’s portal. Gathering these records in advance reduces questions later.

Michigan sellers must also deliver a written disclosure of known conditions before a buyer signs a binding agreement, as required by the state’s Seller Disclosure Act see the statute overview. For homes built before 1978, federal law requires a separate lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA/HUD pamphlet per EPA guidance.

What Inspectors Look For

A good inspection is systematic. Expect the inspector to review the following areas and note safety, function, and signs of deferred maintenance.

Exterior and Structure

Inspectors scan grading and drainage first. Poor grading and short downspouts are top national defects that can lead to basement water and soil movement as home-inspector resources note. They also check siding, trim, decks, steps and handrails, driveway and walks, and the garage for safety and damage.

Roofing and Attic

Roof age, shingle condition, flashing, and gutters get close attention. Attic ventilation, insulation, and any staining or moisture are common report items. Many buyer repair requests stem from roof wear and flashing failures per inspector consensus.

Electrical Systems

Expect a review of the main panel, breakers, visible wiring, and bonding and grounding. Inspectors test a sample of outlets and look for GFCI/AFCI protection in required areas, plus working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Safety items often become immediate buyer asks as professional associations report.

Plumbing and Water

They check supply lines, drains, fixtures, and visible leaks. The water heater’s age, safety valve, and performance matter. In our region, sump pumps are critical. Improper sump discharge to the sanitary sewer is prohibited and can get flagged, so verify your setup is legal under local rules see an example of township code context.

Heating and Cooling

Furnace, air handler, AC or heat pump, and thermostat operation are tested. Dirty filters and overdue service are common notes. Keep service records handy; buyers often request them as inspector guidance highlights.

Interior, Windows, and Safety

Expect notes on doors, windows, flooring, walls and ceilings, stairways and handrails, and basic safety hazards like trip points or loose treads. Inspectors will also note cosmetic items, but safety and water issues carry the most weight in negotiations.

Pre-Inspection Checklist You Can Tackle Now

Use this prioritized list to prep your home so the inspection is smooth and the report is clean.

Safety and Function First

• Replace smoke and CO detector batteries and add missing units in required areas.
• Test GFCI outlets in kitchens, baths, garage, and exterior; replace if they do not trip/reset.
• Secure loose railings, tighten loose treads, and fix obvious trip hazards.
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs and noisy or nonfunctional switches.
• Confirm windows and doors open, close, and lock properly.

Safety items are among the most common inspection flags and often require a licensed electrician or handyman to correct per inspector reports.

Minor Repairs and Maintenance

• Fix leaky faucets or running toilets and replace worn supply lines if needed.
• Recaulk or regrout cracked joints in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Repair damaged screens and tighten or replace loose hardware and hinges.
• Touch up scuffed paint and address squeaky doors.

Minor maintenance helps buyers feel the home is well kept and can prevent a long list of small repair requests.

Water Management and Moisture

• Clean gutters and confirm downspouts extend several feet away from the foundation. Poor drainage is a top national finding and a common cause of water intrusion as summarized by inspectors.
• Where feasible, improve grading so soil slopes away from the home.
• Test the sump pump, add a battery backup if appropriate, and verify legal discharge routing under local ordinances review local code context here.
• Check for stains or musty odors in basements and around plumbing fixtures; address the source before showings.

Michigan has widespread radon; the state notes elevated levels have been found in all 83 counties and estimates about 1 in 4 homes are high. Consider a pre-listing radon test so you can plan mitigation or disclose results up front per EGLE’s guidance.

Cleanliness and Access

• Clear access to the attic, crawlspace, electrical panel, furnace, water heater, and main shutoffs.
• Declutter under sinks and around appliances so inspectors can see supply and drain connections.
• Label tricky valves and breakers. Make sure all utilities are on for the inspection.

Documentation and Keys

• Gather service records, permits, warranties, and receipts for recent work. In Canton, you can check permit history and requirements through Building & Inspection Services on the township site. City of Plymouth records are available through Community Development on the city site.
• If records were recorded with Wayne County, you can search the Register of Deeds here.
• Provide keys and remotes for sheds, garages, gates, and consider listing day access notes.

Decide: Fix, Budget, or Disclose

Prioritize High-Impact Items

Address safety, water intrusion, and major system functionality first. These issues alarm buyers and appraisers and can delay closing. Cosmetic items can usually wait or be priced in.

When to Repair vs. Offer Credits

• Repair now if the issue raises safety concerns or could jeopardize financing.
• Offer a credit if timing is tight or if the buyer prefers to select materials.
• Price accordingly when fixes are costly and time consuming. Bring in specialist quotes to support your strategy.

Minor maintenance and filter changes are quick wins. Electrical safety corrections and plumbing or HVAC repairs often require licensed contractors but can deliver strong buyer confidence as industry guidance suggests.

Transparent Disclosures

Michigan’s Seller Disclosure Act requires you to disclose known conditions on the statutory form before a binding purchase agreement. Honest, thorough disclosure builds trust and can reduce post-offer disputes see the statute summary. For pre-1978 homes, complete the federal lead-based paint disclosure and provide the EPA/HUD pamphlet to buyers per EPA rules.

Bring in Pros When Needed

Use licensed contractors for structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Keep before-and-after photos and receipts so you can include them in your listing package. For major water issues, consider a structural engineer or drainage contractor report to reassure buyers industry references emphasize this approach.

How to Choose and Schedule a Pre-Listing Inspection

Selecting the Right Inspector

Look for experience, clear photo-rich reports, quick turnarounds, and strong reviews. Inspectors who explain findings in plain language make it easier to decide what to fix versus disclose. Familiarity with regional issues like freeze-thaw wear, radon, and sump systems is a plus. Our local climate’s snow and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate wear on roofs, masonry, and sealants, so an inspector attentive to these items adds value regional climate context.

Ideal Timing in Your Listing Timeline

Schedule your pre-inspection 3 to 6 weeks before photography. That gives you time to complete repairs, gather receipts, and update disclosures. Coordinate with utility providers so power, gas, and water are on for testing. DTE Energy offers service details and moving support so you can confirm utilities are active on inspection day see DTE’s service page.

Day-of Preparation

Ensure full access to every area, label hard-to-find shutoffs, secure pets, and plan to be offsite. Clear cars from the garage and driveway so the inspector can access outlets, exterior grading, and downspouts without obstruction.

Using the Report Strategically

Review the summary first and separate items into three lists: fix now, price or credit, and disclose. Pair repairs with receipts and add them to your listing binder. Highlight recent tune-ups for HVAC, water heater, or roof in your marketing remarks to increase buyer confidence.

Next Steps Before You List

• Complete your high-impact fixes and safety updates.
• Finalize your Michigan Seller Disclosure and, if applicable, the federal lead disclosure for pre-1978 homes EPA details.
• Confirm permit status through Canton or City of Plymouth and close any open permits before going live Canton permits and Plymouth permits.
• If radon is a concern, test now so you can disclose results and avoid later delays. EGLE reports that one in four Michigan homes tests high, making proactive testing a smart move state radon overview.

Ready to prep with a plan that covers pricing, staging, photography, and vendor coordination in one place? Get a room-by-room walkthrough and tailored fix-or-disclose strategy with Christine Faeth, The Faeth Team. Get your free home valuation and a clear path to market in Southeast Michigan.

FAQs

Do I need permits closed before listing in Canton or Plymouth?

• Yes, buyers and appraisers often ask about permit history. Check Canton’s Building & Inspection Services and City of Plymouth’s Community Development sites for records, and close any open permits before going live Canton and City of Plymouth.

What disclosures are required in Michigan?

• Sellers must provide the state’s written Seller Disclosure before a binding agreement. Homes built before 1978 also require a federal lead-based paint disclosure and EPA/HUD pamphlet state statute and EPA guidance.

What issues do inspectors most often find here?

• Drainage and downspout problems, roof wear and flashing issues, electrical safety items, and sump pump concerns are common inspector consensus. Freeze-thaw also stresses exterior materials in our climate regional climate context.

Should I test for radon before listing?

• Yes. Michigan has widespread radon and EGLE estimates about one in four homes test high. A pre-listing test helps you plan mitigation or disclose results up front state radon overview.

How do I prepare for inspection day?

• Ensure utilities are on, provide clear access to attic and mechanicals, label shutoffs, secure pets, and be offsite. If needed, coordinate utility service through DTE so everything can be tested DTE service info.

What if the inspector finds something major?

• Bring in a specialist for evaluation and a repair quote, then decide whether to fix, price accordingly, or offer a credit. Document your choice with receipts and reports to support negotiations industry guidance.

Are HOA or historic district rules a factor?

• They can be. Some Canton HOAs require architectural approvals. In the City of Plymouth, historic-district homes near Kellogg Park need review for certain exterior changes. Verify any approvals before listing HOA responsibility note and historic district info.