Selling your home can be a pretty daunting task, as many repairs need to be made before you list it on the market. This article will discuss the top nine most common repairs necessary for a successful sale and how you can make them quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a DIYer or prefer to hire professionals for a home inspection in Knoxville, we’ll ensure you have all the information needed to ensure your house is in tip-top shape before selling it.
Things You Should Repair Before Selling Your Home
Selling your home can be stressful, but you can make it easier by taking the time to repair any minor issues that may come up during the inspection. So, if you want to make repairs before listing your home on the market, read on! In this article, we’ll discuss 9 of the most important things you should repair before selling your home to ensure that it will pass inspection and maximize its sale price.
Home Inspection Checklist
A home inspection is a vital step in the selling process. Here is a checklist of things you should repair before putting your home on the market:
- Repair any damage to the home’s walls, ceilings, floors, or other structural elements.
- Repair any plumbing or electrical problems.
- Fix any leaks in the roof or windows.
- Replace any damaged or missing shingles on the roof.
- Make sure all doors and windows are in good working condition.
- Clean and declutter the entire house, inside and out.
- Stage each room to show its potential to buyers.
1. Fix any plumbing issues
If you’re selling your home, you’ll want to make sure that any plumbing issues are fixed before putting it on the market. This will help ensure that potential buyers don’t leave the sale due to concerns about the property’s condition.
Some common plumbing problems that you should fix before selling your home include:
- Leaky faucets
- Running toilets
- Clogged drains
- Low water pressure
- Water damage
If you’re unsure how to fix these issues, hire a professional plumber to do the work for you. This will ensure that the repairs are done correctly and won’t cause any further damage to your home.
2. Repair any water damage
If you’ve had any water damage in your home, it’s important to get it repaired before selling. Water damage can lead to problems, from mold and mildew to structural damage. If potential buyers see water damage, they may be turned off or even scared away.
So, if you’ve had a leaky roof, a busted pipe, or any other kind of water damage, get it fixed before putting your home on the market. You may even want an inspection from the best home inspectors in Knoxville TN to ensure everything is in good condition.
3. Fix the electrical wiring
If you’re selling your home, it’s important to ensure that all the electrical wiring is updated and in good working condition. This includes checking for loose or exposed wires, ensuring all outlets are properly grounded, and ensuring that any electrical work is up to code.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your home’s electrical wiring and if it is up to par, it’s always best to consult a professional electrician. They can help you assess the situation and make necessary repairs or updates. In some cases, it may be worth hiring an electrician to do a complete inspection of your home’s electrical system before putting it on the market.
4. Fix any broken door knobs and locks
If you’re selling your home, you’ll want to ensure that all the door knobs and locks are in good working condition. This is not only for aesthetic reasons but also for safety reasons. If a potential buyer comes to your house and sees that the door knob is broken, they may not want to go inside. Or, if the lock is broken, they may not feel safe entering the home. Either way, fixing any broken door knobs and locks is important before putting your home on the market.
5. Clean and fix any mold or mildew
Mold and mildew can be a big turnoff for potential homebuyers. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard. If you have mold or mildew in your home, it’s important to clean and fix it before putting your home on the market.
There are a few ways to clean mold and mildew. You can use a commercial cleaner or make your natural cleaner with vinegar and water. Whichever method you choose, scrub the affected areas thoroughly until all the mold and mildew are gone.
Once you’ve cleaned the mold and mildew, you need to fix the problem that caused it in the first place. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark places. If you have leaks in your roof or walls, make sure to fix them so that mold and mildew don’t have a chance to return.
6. Replace any missing shingles
If any of your home’s shingles are missing, it’s important to replace them before listing your home for sale. Not only will this make your home look more attractive to potential buyers, but it will also help protect it from further damage. To replace missing shingles, simply remove the old shingle and nail a new one. Be sure to use nails that are long enough to penetrate through the new shingle and into the sheathing beneath.
7. Update the outdated kitchen appliances
If your home’s kitchen appliances are outdated, it will likely turn off potential buyers. No one wants to move into a home and have to immediately replace all the major appliances. If your stove is older than ten years, your refrigerator is more than 15 years old, or your dishwasher is over 20 years old, it’s time for an update. Even if they’re still working, outdated appliances can make your kitchen look dated and be a turnoff for potential buyers.
8. Repair the cracked pavement outside the house (especially if there is a driveway)
When selling your home, it’s important to ensure that all the little details are taken care of – including repairing any cracked pavement outside the house. Not only will repairing the pavement make your home look more appealing, but it will also help to increase its value. This is especially important if there is a driveway, as potential buyers will take notice of any cracks or damage.
9. Replace worn carpets in high-traffic areas
If your home has high-traffic areas, it’s likely that the carpet in those areas is looking worse for wear. Replacing worn carpets in high-traffic areas is a quick and easy way to give your home an updated look that potential buyers will appreciate. Not only will it make your home look better, but it will also help to protect your floors from further damage.
Bentley Inspections is a professional home inspection Knoxville company that has been providing pre-sale inspections for homes in Knoxville and the surrounding area for over 10 years. We are highly experienced and knowledgeable about the home inspection process and what buyers are looking for in a home. Our goal is to help you get the highest possible price for your home by ensuring that it meets all of the necessary requirements for a successful sale.
We offer a comprehensive inspection service that covers all aspects of the home, from the foundation to the roof and everything in between. We will thoroughly examine your home and provide you with a detailed report of our findings, complete with photos and recommendations for any necessary repairs or improvements. We pride ourselves on being honest and transparent with our clients, and we will work with you to ensure that your home is ready to be sold at its full value.If you are selling your home in Knoxville or the surrounding area, Bentley Inspections should be your first choice for a professional home inspection. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.