5 Home Maintenance Jobs You Should Do Before You Sell Your Home

If you’re thinking of selling your home, congratulations! It’s an exciting time filled with anticipation and change. However, before you can list your home on the market, there are several home maintenance jobs that you need to do first. In this blog post, you’ll learn five essential home maintenance jobs that you should do before selling your home. These tasks will help you make your home more attractive to potential buyers, and possibly even net you a higher price.

Investing in your home before selling can seem counterintuitive to many. After all, why spend money on a property you’re planning to leave? However, this is actually a strategic move that can significantly increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers. By tackling key maintenance jobs, you ensure that potential issues are addressed before the buyer’s inspector finds them. This not only reduces the chances of unexpected negotiations or price reductions, but can also make your home stand out in a competitive market, leading to quicker sales and often, a higher selling price.

If you’re wondering what you should do to your home before you try to sell it, here are five maintenance jobs you should prioritize.

1. Plumbing

The first thing you should do is have a plumber do a thorough examination of your pipes to ensure everything is in good working order. A small leak can turn into a huge problem if it goes untreated for too long. By fixing any potential plumbing problems, you’ll avoid costly repairs in the future and give buyers one less thing to worry about.

A buyer’s inspector is proficient at identifying any underlying plumbing issues that could become a serious concern in the future. They might find problems such as leaky faucets or showerheads, slow or clogged drains, or faulty water heaters. They could also uncover more severe issues like low water pressure, rusted pipes, or signs of water damage due to leaks within walls or under floors.

2. HVAC System

Ensure the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in your home is in good working order. A malfunctioning HVAC system can make your home uncomfortable to live in and deter potential buyers. Have an HVAC technician come out and tune up the system, or even check if a complete replacement is necessary. If you know you have a problem with your furnace, get a local expert over too, by looking for something such as furnace repair in San Jose.

A buyer’s inspector will thoroughly evaluate your HVAC system to ensure it’s operating efficiently and safely. They may identify problems such as inconsistent heating or cooling across different rooms, which might indicate issues with ductwork, insulation, or the unit itself. The inspector might also find a dirty or clogged filter, which can significantly affect the unit’s performance and air quality inside your home. More severe problems could include a malfunctioning thermostat, a noisy furnace, or signs of gas or carbon monoxide leaks from the heating system.

3. Electrical

Another essential home maintenance job is to have an electrician come and check the wiring in your home. Faulty wiring can lead to power outages, short circuits, and even electrical fires. An electrician can assess the safety of your wiring and recommend any necessary upgrades.

A buyer’s inspector will perform a detailed evaluation of the electrical system in your home. The assessment will involve checking if all outlets and switches are functioning correctly and whether the electrical panel is up to code. Issues such as flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, or hot outlets and switches might be identified. More complex problems could include outdated wiring that is no longer up to code, lack of ground fault circuit interrupters near water sources, or improper wiring installations. The inspector may also flag aluminum wiring, which can be a fire hazard.

4. Roofing

The roofing is one of the most important parts of your home’s structure. Before listing your home, you should have a contractor assess the roof to ensure it’s in good condition. A leaky roof can be a deal breaker for many buyers, so fixing any issues before listing is a must.

A buyer’s inspector will conduct a thorough examination of the roof, looking for a variety of potential issues. They might discover surface problems such as missing, cracked or curling shingles, or worn-away granules on asphalt shingles. They may also find structural issues, such as sagging roof sections, which can indicate serious underlying problems. The inspector may spot signs of water damage, including stains or mold on ceilings inside the house, or rot or moisture in the attic. They might identify problems with the flashing around chimneys or vents, which can lead to leaks. More serious concerns could include a poorly installed or aging roof that may need to be replaced in the near future.

5. Flooring

When it comes to flooring, it’s important to present a clean and fresh appearance. Check for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. If it’s in poor condition, replace the damaged area or the entire flooring to make your home more attractive to buyers.

A buyer’s inspector will scrutinize the flooring in your home for all sorts of issues. The inspection might uncover visible problems such as cracked, broken, or loose tiles; worn-out or stained carpeting; or damaged or warped hardwood planks. They may also find squeaky floors, which could indicate structural issues with the subfloor. Other potential issues include uneven floors, which can be a symptom of more serious structural problems, or signs of water damage, which might be evidenced by discoloration, odors, or mold.

There are many home maintenance jobs you should do before selling your home. By investing the time and money into these repairs and upgrades, you’ll make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase the chances of a successful sale. Remember, a little effort goes a long way, improving the life of the buyer and you as the seller.