If you’re going to be selling your home in the near future, you probably don’t want to be spending a ton of time and money on repairs and updates. This is understandable, but a few minor repairs can make a big difference in how quickly you sell your home. This can also affect the amount of money that a buyer will offer you.
Electrical
According to ESFI, every area has a certain set of electrical codes that electricians and contractors must follow when they are working on the electrical system of the home. If this code is not followed, it can pose a safety concern. It can also cause a home to fail inspection. There are certain building procedures that are grandfathered in, but you’ll want to have the electrical system in your home updated if necessary to meet code.
Stair Repair
If the stairs inside or outside your home are not in working order, this can be a major safety risk. According to Boohoff Law, improperly constructed staircases can lead to twisted ankles or other injuries related to falls. The stairs themselves aren’t always the issue. Railings can also be a concern. Stair repairs should be completed prior to selling. Otherwise, you could end up with a lawsuit if someone comes to see your home and gets injured.
Plumbing
If you have a major water line break in your home, you have probably addressed that problem already. If you have a small leak that you’re aware of, now is a good time to address the problem. The repair could be completed with something as simple as a new gasket, but you’ll prevent yourself from having to hire a professional plumber to complete the repair and to sign off on it for the buyer. If your plumbing is out of code, this is something that will need to be repaired as well in order to legally pass an inspection.
Home repairs are an important part of getting ready to sell your home. You could be dealing with safety concerns, but there is also the risk that your home could fail an inspection. This would put you right back at the beginning of the sale process. There are also requirements that must be met in order to proceed with a buyer who is working with government assistance or on certain kinds of loans. It doesn’t necessarily take a lot of time and money to get this work done, but the effort pays off in the long run.