Not many people to buy a home that’s going to need a lot of repairs, and no one wants to sell a home with hidden problems.
That’s why home inspections are so important.
If you’re preparing your home for sale, knowing the common issues that inspectors look for and how to fix them will make it easier to sell your home fast and for the price you want. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the most common home inspection issues and how you can resolve them to maximize your home’s value and speed up the sales process.
Issue #1: Drainage Issues
Drainage problems are one of the most common issues detected during home inspections. Inspectors will look for signs of water damage and poor drainage around the property foundation, eaves, and gutters. They’ll also check to see if there’s any standing water on the property. If there is, it could be a sign that the home has other structural damage.
If you’re selling your home, resolve any drainage issues before you create a listing to reduce the odds of an unsuccessful sale.
The first step is to identify the source of the problem. Common causes of poor drainage include clogged gutters, downspouts that aren’t directed away from the foundation, and grading that slopes towards the house.
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can take steps to fix it yourself or seek a professional for the job. If your gutters are clogged, you’ll need to clean them out. If your downspouts aren’t directed away from the foundation, you can add extensions or redirect them with underground piping. And if the grading around your home slopes towards the house, you’ll need to regrade it so that water flows away from the foundation.
Issue #2: Structural Damage
Another common issue that inspectors look for is structural damage. This can include cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings, doors and windows that don’t open or close properly, and floors that are uneven.
If your home has any structural damage, repairing it before you sell can increase your home’s value. It also gives buyers more confidence, and the perceived increase in value from recent repairs means you’re more likely to get a great offer.
Prices for repairs will vary depending on how bad the damage is. You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for small cracks and up to a few thousand dollars for major repairs, like foundation damage.
You may be able to perform simple repairs yourself, but for more serious damage, it’s best to speak with a professional. They’ll give you an estimate of the cost of repairs and help you get the job done quickly.
Issue #3: Deteriorating Rooftops
A third common home inspection issue is a deteriorating rooftop. This includes missing or damaged shingles and leaks, which can lead to new structural damage or cause existing damage to become worse.
If your home has a damaged rooftop, quick repair is important for two reasons. First, it will prevent the structural issues mentioned earlier from developing at all.
Second, insured homeowners can often get their providers to pay for repairs after natural disasters and serious storms. If a weather event causes damage to your roof, file a claim as soon as you learn about it. If you don’t act quickly, your insurer may refuse to pay for the repairs.
In such cases, the cost to repair a deteriorating rooftop will depend on the severity of the damage. Minor repairs generally cost several hundred dollars. Major repairs can cost thousands.
In the event that your roof needs repair, you’ll probably have questions about the process and what can happen if you don’t address the issue immediately. Check out this blog post from Endeavor Exteriors to learn more about the dangers of leaving your roof unrepaired!
Issue #4: Faulty Electrical Systems
Faulty electrical systems are another common issue often revealed during home inspections.
Older homes are especially likely to have damaged wiring that needs replacement, outlets that don’t work, and exposed wires.
If your home has any of these problems, you’ll need to hire an electrician to make the repairs. Performing them on your own puts you at risk for serious injury!
As always, specific pricing depends on the degree of damage detected during your inspection. For electrical work, smaller jobs can cost hundreds of dollars, while larger projects can run several thousand.
Issue #5: Damaged Plumbing
Nobody wants to buy a home with damaged plumbing. Examples of potential plumbing issues include leaks, clogs, and broken pipes.
Plumbing issues can produce unpleasant effects such as bad odors in the home. Bad plumbing is also often the source of leaks that cause mold and mildew. Both can pose a serious hazard to your family’s health.
In some cases, damaged plumbing is caused by problems with a home’s sewer line. This type of repair is typically much more expensive than standard plumbing work, so buyers will be put off if they need to pay for the repairs themselves.
If your home has damaged sewer lines that need expensive repairs, consider offering to fix them for potential buyers before closing the sale. The same hold true for any major damage detected during inspection. In some cases, concessions like this make the difference in whether or not a buyer completes a sale.
Homes Sell Faster When Kept In Great Condition
It’s important to understand the common issues that come up during home inspections so you can address them before they affect the sales process by causing delays and complicating negotiations.
Structural damage, deteriorating rooftops, faulty electrical systems, and damaged plumbing are all common problems that can be expensive to fix. However, performing repairs before selling can increase your home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
If you’re selling your home, keep these common issues in mind. Ideally, you can identify and address them before listing your property! With a little bit of work, you can ensure a smooth sale and get a great deal for your home.
Are you ready to have your home inspected, but unsure of how to choose the right inspector? Check out this related post about red flags to look out for during your home inspection. Once you’ve had a home inspection, contact us to learn more about how Vantegic can help you sell your home in 30 days or less.
