Your home is usually your largest asset. A buyer’s agent will use an inspection report to re-negoicate the terms of the contract. With a little preparation you can avoid further negotiations (price reductions and repair credits) or “deal breakers”.
- Repair when ever possible. It will usually cost you less to repair in advance than it will after inspection.
- Replace if it’s a necessary component of the home (such as roof shingles)
- Remove if broken and not a necesary home’s component (example: a non functioning ceiling fan)
- Evidence of prior leaks. The decking is the plywood layer of roofing to which the felt and shingles are attached. You (and your inspector) can visually inspect the decking from the attic where the underside of the plywood will be exposed. Large water spots, dark areas, and rotted plywood will be evidence of a prior leak.
- Missing Shingles. The inspector should physically climb onto the roof and “walk it” to inspect its condition or they will position a ladder close to the roof to visually inspect the roof with binoculars.
- Loose or missing nails on shingles
- Caulking: Caulk every area that should be caulked. Around windows (inside and out), tubs, sinks, showers, counters and backsplashes.
- Foggy windows. Double pane windows have a gas within the two panes. This gas with time will escape and cause condensation within the two panes. For more info
- Sprinklers: Run your sprinkler system and adjust or repair any broken sprinkler head.
- Wood rot in the exterior of your home. This problem is best to remedy before you put the home on the market. There are types of loans that will not permit financing until this is repaired.
- Exhaust fans: In the past builders would vent the exhaust fans into the attic. New codes don’t allow this because in theory the exhaust fans could be pumping moisture into the attic.
- Window: Missing screens, windows that will not open or close properly. The windows must open for safety.
- Chimney: is it gas fireplace? does it work? Do you need a key to turn on the gas? Do you have the key?
- Doorbells: Does it work?
- Water heater: The T&P values on your water heater are recommended to be changed every 3 years. For more info on this
- Appliances: The stove, dishwasher, microwave and range typically stay with the home unless it’s excluded. Do they work?
- Pests: do you have pests? I would recommend you treat your home before putting it on the market. Check for termites. This can be a big expense to treat. For more info