By Relocation.com
In order to assess what repairs need to be made, you may want to hire a home inspector. The buyer will also hire an inspector, however, you may want to make sure you are prepared by hiring your own and carrying out any repairs on items the inspector notes. Whether or not you hire an inspector, an inspection will need to be carried out. You can then decide what items need to be repaired and what can be left as is. This can sometimes be difficult, however, ask yourself this question: " If the item is not repaired will it affect the pricing?" You can of course decide not to make any repairs and then price the house accordingly.
The following is a guide you can use when inspecting your home:
- Floors
Does the floor creak and is the floor even? Are the floor tiles loose and is the vinyl curling up at the ends?
- Doors and Windows
Any panes of glass cracked? Do the windows and doors open and close smoothly? Any doors or windows jammed? Are all the storm windows and screens in place?
- Walls and Ceilings
Are there any holes from nails or screws in the walls or ceiling? Do the walls or ceilings need repainting? Is the wallpaper or paint peeling off in any spots?
- Kitchen
Are the cabinets in good repair? Are appliances to be included in the sale in working order? Is the sink draining completely and is the faucet leaking?
- Bathroom
This is one room that will be examined closely. Is the floor and wall tile in good shape? Are all faucets working properly? Any caulk missing around tub and sink? Is the tile grout in good repair?
- Boiler and Cooling system
Replace any dirty filters and make any necessary repairs. Has the boiler and central air system been service recently?
- Electrical Systems
Do all switches work? Is there any loose wiring? Always check the garage and any outside outlets also.
- Attic and Basement
These two areas will also be examined by potential buyers so clean them out.
- House Exterior
Check the roof for any leaks. Is the siding in good repair? Does the outside need painting? Are all the gutters present and clear?
- Grounds
Is the lawn well maintained and the driveway clutter and weed free?
Are any outhouses such as glasshouses and garages in good repair?
Sale Killing Items.
So what do you absolutely need to repair? Well that up to you however consider the following.
The American Society of Home Inspectors drew up a list of sale-killing items including:
- Bad wiring
- Poor overall maintenance
- Damp or wet basement
- Damaged roof
- Damaged exterior doors and windows
You may want to consider these items as priorities when you draw up your list of what you will and will not repair.
You may decide to do any repairs yourself. Though ask yourself realistically if you can do the job and if you can finish it. Many of us begin home improvement projects to renovate our homes only to get frustrated later on and never complete them or end up calling in a handy man to clear up the mess. This often costs twice as much as if you had called in the handy man in the first place. This can be very frustrating when you were originally hoping to save money be carrying out the repairs yourself.