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| Repairs |
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:
- Check 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 Ceiling - 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 projects at home
to improve 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.
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