It's only when you're selling your house that you start to see its imperfections. Whether that's a crack in the wall or a faulty pipeline in the basement, there are multiple things you need to fix before handing your home over to another family.
However, time's short, and shifting homes can be a hassle, so you'll barely have time to review each quirk in your house. In this case, knowing which places to look out for can help you pinpoint the exact issues to fix.
Luckily, our guide today can be a quick walk-through regarding repairing long-term damages.
#1 Broken Waterways
Every seller must do a thorough plumbing inspection in their house. Water line damage can be costly; however, fixing it before exchanging keys is essential.
Plumbing issues can also cause walls to mold, increasing repair costs. That's why it's better to get to the root of the main issue before things get worse.
The total price of the fix will depend on various factors, such as how damaged the line is, how much area you need to cover, pre-existing molds, etc.
On the other hand, minor issues, such as faulty faucets and busted flushes, are easy, budget-friendly fixes.
#2 Electrical Lines
The worst thing that could happen to any house is a short circuit. The issue can make things deadly if there's no pre-existing earth-wiring done.
As a result, inspecting electrical lines should be at the top of your to-do list before selling the house.
Similar to plumbing, different electrical issues also determine the cost of the repair. Minor problems, such as missing nuts, poorly wired switches, and broken plug points barely sting. On the other hand, rewiring the entire house or repairing an old circuit point can be expensive.
#3 Heating and Ventilation
Professional fire protection services emphasize inspecting every home's heating and ventilation points twice a year. Not doing so can result in outdated HVAC units or, worse, a blocked chimney.
The outcome of such issues is the expense of repairing and potentially massive fires that can take lives.
Contact a technician to inspect all heating units if you cannot do it yourself. Ensure every stove line, chimney flue, and HVAC unit operates appropriately before selling the property.
#4 Roofing Issues
Did you know a roof is one of the most valuable aspects of your home? It's also the costliest to repair if the issue is too complex.
Roof remodeling projects can take days, if not weeks, to complete. That's why you should inspect it before deciding to sell your house.
An outdated roof can cause leaks, gutter clogs, molding walls, and blistering paint. As a result, it impacts the quality of every other aspect of your home, raising costs sky-high. Fixing a roof before selling the property can pack a 94% resale value.
#5 Weak Foundation
Having a poor foundation can severely threaten the entire property and your life, let alone the next family who'll reside under it.
The structural integrity of your home determines its resale value by numbers. Having to repair such complex issues can cost more than $10k, with added pricey fixes afterward. We're not even including technician quotes and hourly fees in this calculation.
Spotting and fixing faulty foundations in their early days can save you a ton of cash by preventing significant issues later.
#6 Modern Equipment
Have you ever wondered why some homes with state-of-the-art features sell for a higher price than those without them?
Research claims that having modern equipment, such as carbon monoxide detectors, CCTV cameras, GFCI outlets, etc., can increase your property's resale value.
These are also some of the first things home appraisers look for when inspecting properties put on sale. We suggest installing such equipment in your house if you want a competitive edge in the market.
#7 Landscapes
Many people don't understand the importance of a properly maintained landscape. Keeping your outdoors clean and presentable can give you an aesthetic edge when selling your house.
A functional porch, durable fences, a colorful lawn with trimmed grass, and fresh flowers – all these inexpensive upgrades can increase the value of your property. The best thing is that you don't need to hire a professional gardener to fix these for you.
#8 Driveway
Please pay attention to the first thing your guests will see when they visit you: your driveway. A nicely fitted gravel pathway with fresh paint and stone steps can improve your house's appearance.
Overall, a well-maintained driveway can also be the first indicator to potential buyers of a strong and modern house.
Consult the Right Professionals
Selling a house is stressful, but not knowing what and where to repair it can cost time, energy, and lots of money. This guide compiles the eight essential things you must fix before selling your house.
Remember to consult a professional if you can't fix the problem yourself. Better to be safe than sorry later on!
For more real estate and home improvement advice and tips, visit Urban Splatter’s blog.