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If you’re thinking of selling your home, have it inspected by a professional home inspector. A home inspection is not an appraisal of the value of your home, but you will get a report from your inspector on the condition of your home that should lead you to take steps that will make it more marketable and possibly increase its value. At least you’ll have more confidence knowing it’s worth the asking price.
A pre-sale home inspection is a worthwhile investment with several benefits. It gives you the opportunity to make the necessary repairs now that will put the house in a better condition for sale. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing the right thing for the people who will buy your home. The fewer apprehensions they have, the more likely they are to buy. They also want fewer problems after they move.
Granted, it may be disappointing for you if an inspection finds serious problems. However, dealing with things right away means less chance for worry or buyer’s regret. There is less chance of a deal going wrong. Plus, you’ll make the house even easier to sell by having it inspected again after the repairs have been made. Making the revised report available should make the deal easier.
A pre-sale inspection alerts you to specific maintenance tasks you can do to make your home more attractive, such as trimming trees and shrubs that touch or overhang the house. New caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors may be needed. What about gutter cleaning or the repair and replacement of cracked or broken gutters, downspouts and extensions? That will ensure proper drainage and prevent water from seeping into the basement and foundation. Replace bathroom caulk or grout where necessary to prevent further leaks. Also, it will look better.
Fixing the little things makes a good impression on your prospective buyer. For example, fix leaky faucets, tighten loose doorknobs, replace broken window glass and damaged screens, and deep clean clothes dryer vents, to name a few. You may want to replace a broken doorbell with a battery-powered door knocker or wireless doorbell.
Your home inspection report will also alert you to safety issues you may want to address. For example, be sure to install smoke detectors on each level in strategic locations. Keep flammable products away from heaters, water heaters, and fireplaces. Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in “wet” areas, such as kitchen counters, bathrooms, and outside outlets.
Of course, it’s the bigger flaws that definitely need your attention to make the house more marketable. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) surveyed its members and found that one of the most frequent problems listed in an inspection report was inadequate grading and drainage around the exterior of the home. This can cause moisture problems in the basement and sometimes soil erosion, which can lead to structural failures in the foundation.
Another common problem area mentioned was the electrical system. That included situations such as insufficient electrical overload protection and potentially dangerous amateur wiring.
Other commonly reported issues include roof damage and mechanical issues with the heating and air conditioning systems.
In short, a pre-sale home inspection helps you determine the condition of your home so you can take steps to make it more attractive to potential buyers. When you act proactively, you demonstrate your integrity and protect yourself and the buyer from potential problems later.