If you will be selling your home in the Denver area, there is certainly plenty to consider. Along the way, many homeowners do not stop to think about the inspection process and the impact it can have on the asking price. Below, you can find some of the most common problems along with advice for taking care of them long before your home inspection.
Roof Repairs
The roof is one of the most important components of a home inspection, so it is well worth your time to hire a contractor yourself and make any necessary repairs. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders recommends a thorough inspection once every three to five years anyway, so there’s no time like the present. If your trusted contractor fixes a problem or fails to find one, you can rest your mind at ease knowing that you will pass this portion of your home inspection with flying colors.
Dampness in Crawl Spaces or Basements
If there is dampness in the crawl space or basement below your home, then you may have other problems that you can’t see. Oftentimes, moisture comes in through tiny cracks in the foundation, poor grading, leaky pipes, or even an inadequate gutter and downspout system. You’ll need to make sure to have all of these checked, and once the issues (if any) are fixed, be sure to waterproof any previously damp spaces for peace of mind.
Wiring Issues
Before putting your house on the market, make sure that you also hire a licensed electrical contractor to come to your home. This individual should check various components of your wiring, including the panels and breakers, to make sure that everything is working properly and safe. This is especially true if you’ve had any work done in your home since your last inspection that included electrical components.
Maintenance Records
Before you can sell your home, you need to ensure that all of the major appliances are working correctly. These include your HVAC system first and foremost, along with your water heater and perhaps sump pump, if you have one. If you’ve completed regular maintenance on these, be sure to obtain the records from the company responsible for the maintenance. These can go a long way in a home inspection as they are proof that the appliances have been maintained and repaired correctly since they were installed.
DIY Repairs
Sometimes it is quicker and easier to repair something in your home on your own than wait for a contractor to do it for you. Unfortunately, though, some of these repairs may not be up to par when it comes to your home inspection. If you’ve completed any repairs on your own, be sure to hire someone to look it over for quality and workmanship. This way, you can fix any issues before the inspection and ensure that things run smoothly.
A home inspection is just one of many things you’ll need to do before you can sell your home. Following the advice above can help make the inspection process smoother, ensuring that you not only save yourself time, but that you get a fair market value for your home.
get a fair market value for your home.