Don’t wait for inspection day to review the condition of your home. Check for potentially deal-breaking flaws ahead of time.
When you’re selling your home, don’t get lulled into complacency because your house shows wells. Underneath it all you may have problems. A home inspection will check out these eight possible pitfalls; make sure to repair them before putting your home on the market.
1. Plumbing. A home inspector will look for corroded pipes by checking water pressure, and test appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. You may want to consider installing new fixtures to draw attention away from the age of your plumbing.
2. Bad odors, dampness, mold and mildew. These can mean your basement has too much moisture and an inspector will want to know why. Have drainage problems damaged the foundation, rafters or floor joists? If the problem is simply poor ventilation, all you may need is a dehumidifier.
3. Structural concerns. A sagging roof, uneven floors or cracks in the walls or foundation are obvious problems. While some conditions may be expensive to rectify, it’s well worth repairing those that require only cosmetic repairs.
4. Roof damage. Clean your gutters and downspouts because the inspector will check them. He will also determine the condition of the shingles or roofing material, even if there is no sign of trouble, such as water stains. The flashing around the chimney and bricks and mortar will also be assessed for leaks. If you know you have trouble with the flashing, have it repaired. Usually, this is not a big expense compared to the cost of a new roof.
5. Leaky doors and windows. Replacing caulking or weather stripping is usually enough, so do it before any leaks cause damage that is more difficult to repair.
6. Environmental concerns. If you are worried your home might have any environmental contaminants, you might want to pay for your own home inspection before a buyer arranges for one. A specialized inspection may be required, for instance, if radon gas is suspected. Other things to look for include lead or other contaminants in the water, lead-based paint (common in houses built before 1978) and asbestos or formaldehyde insulation.
7. Heating and cooling systems. The heating and air-conditioning systems are usually fairly easy to access and inspect. Your furnace doesn’t have to be new, just in good working order.
8. Electrical system. Make sure all sockets work. The wiring, electrical panels and circuit breakers must meet current code standards. If you do not have 200-amp service, then an upgrade may be recommended.
If you have some concerns about the condition of your home, arranging your own pre-sale home inspection may be helpful. Correcting any flaws may speed up a sale and boost your price. Any reported defects you choose not to correct must be disclosed to prospective buyers. In most cases, buyer’s inspections call for only minor repairs. Be aware, however, that some buyers may make a counteroffer with a lengthy list of repairs to try to drive down the price of a house. If this happens, you may want to consider whether the deal is worth it.
Published on January 11, 2007