When selling a home, a key detail you should never ignore is home repair. While this task may seem daunting, it’s a crucial step in getting a higher home appraisal value, and ultimately, higher buying offers. But what types of repairs should you prioritize? Here are eight common home repairs to make before selling your home and how to know which should be on your to-do list.
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What Home Repairs Should Sellers Prioritize?
Foundation
The foundation for important home repairs is, appropriately, the foundation of the home. Structural defects to the footprint of your home will be one of the first things assessed during an inspection. A few indicators that you might need to repair your foundation include cracks in your drywall, bowing or separating walls, or uneven or sagging floors.
Roof
Just like your foundation, the roof is another integral part of the structure of your home. Missing or damaged shingles could lead to water damage, which can create further problems. Also, be aware of the condition of any flashings on the roof. Flashings are the metal treatments surrounding items such as chimneys or vents.
Electric
Because they have the potential to start fires, electrical issues are a primary safety concern. Taking care of any issues is paramount both in raising your home’s value and reducing your risk of liability. Because electrical damage can possibly be hazardous, we recommend hiring a professional electrician for this job.
Prior to closing day, have an electrician inspect your home for faulty wiring and other issues.
Pipes
Nobody wants to deal with poor-quality or burst pipes. Home buyers are no different. The most common signs of disrepair include leaking and slow drainage; also, look for things like visible signs of corrosion and discoloration in your water.
Septic System
Much like your other pipes, the condition of your septic system can be monitored through signs like leakage and slow drainage. Additionally, you can check for problems like backflow or septic odors. Another indicator could be the condition of your yard. If your yard’s health seems uneven, consider hiring a plumber to look at your septic system.
HVAC
Whether it’s staying cool in the summer or warm in the winter, sufficient climate control is key to adding to your home’s value. Consider the efficiency of your HVAC system. If it puts out little to no air flow, is slow to kick in, or is creating unusually high energy bills, you may need to do some repairs.
Termites
No matter how beautiful the home is, no buyer wants to invest in something pests are eating away at. Out of hand, termite issues can deem a home unlivable. Therefore, it’s important to react quickly when spotting termite damage. If you notice small holes throughout your drywall or damaged wood, call a termite specialist as soon as possible.
Water Damage and Mold
Water damage can cause a heap of other problems—mold being a common one. Water damage and the mold that follows can be all it takes to completely turn a buyer away from your home. Look for water stains, swollen drywall, rotted wooden items, and, of course, the mold itself. Listening for leaky pipes and smelling any odd, musty smells may also point to water damage and mold.
Boost Your Home’s Sale Value with These Home Repairs
Before selling your home, make sure you’ve looked for these signs and complete any of the key repairs you need to. You deserve the best possible value for your home, and a little work now will go a long way in boosting your home’s value when it’s time to sell. Click here to learn more about what issues could impact your home’s value.
