Preparing Your Home For The Market
Many of these items may be taken care of with little or no cost. Some of these items will indicate to the home inspector and buyer that the house has been maintained. Do not do quick, cheap repairs. The inspector will be suspicious of amateur work and will tend to take a closer look at your house.
- Clean out gutters
- Divert all water away from house (i.e., downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc.). Grade should taper away from structure.
- Trim trees and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding and chimney
- Paint all exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors. Replace rotted wood, if applicable.
- Seal asphalt driveways, if needed
- Seal or point up masonry chimney caps. Install metal flue cap.
- Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean air returns.
- Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block
- Test all smoke detectors
- Update attic ventilation, if needed
- Clean chimney, fireplace or woodstove
- Seal masonry walls in basement
- Get all windows and doors in proper operating condition. Make sure all doors, especially closet doors, open and close with ease.
- Put all plumbing fixtures (toilet, tub shower, sinks) in proper working condition. Look for any leaks.
- Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources
- Check sump pump for proper operation
- Replace any burned out lights
- Remove firewood from contact with house
- Proper grading recommended under deck
- Proper vapor barrier in crawlspace
- Caulk all exterior wall penetrations
- Caulk all tub/shower fixtures
- Caulk along tub/floor, tub/walls, tub/shower/glass doors
- Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace. Moisture levels in wood should be below 18%, to deter rot and mildew.
- Check that bath vents are properly vented
- Remove paints, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc
- Check that toilets are secure to floor
- Expose all attic and/or crawlspace access
