How do you keep costly repairs down before closing?

Simple, fix problems before they become nightmares. Every homeowner, buyer and/or seller at one time or another has had to face a home inspection. The wide range of defects that can be uncovered during a home inspection can be a major deal breaker. Buyers are looking for homes that do not require a full remodel after closing. They are looking for homes that have been well maintained and are worth the money being spent on it especially in the current economical times.

Homeowners who are thinking about selling need to consider the condition of their home from the buyer’s perspective. Every portion of the home is going to be scrutinized, inspected and negotiated for in a purchase and sale agreement so it’s best to be prepared. Homeowners should inspect their house closely and nit pick it apart or, better yet, hire a professional home inspector, typically a few hundred dollars, to analyze the home before the home goes up for sale.

In the late 1990s, many homes throughout Snohomish County, and Washington, were built using siding from Louisiana-Pacific, more commonly know as LP siding. The problem with the LP siding is it tended to “rot, grow mold and sometimes even mushrooms” in Washington’s wet climate. Mold can be very hazardous and has been a cause of many health problems for homeowners especially people with asthma.

Another item of concern can be standing water underneath the home. There are many ways water can accumulate; leaky pipes, broken plumbing, bad drainage, mass run off and even floods. It really does not take a home inspector to determine if a home has a water issues in the foundation. Take a look into the crawl space and if there is standing water (primarily during the winter months in Washington) then is time to take corrective actions.

The furnace is another item that will be thoroughly inspected for defects and malfunctions. It is easier to have the furnace inspected prior to listing and fixed if necessary. A typical furnace can be around $2,500 but prices vary on make, model, quality and size but the real savings comes from the peace of mind that knowing it will pass through the home inspection.

This is by no means a full comprehensive list of items a home with face during a home inspection but it should give some idea of the challenges that maybe ahead. Staying on top of household maintenance is no different than regular oil changes in a car. Take the car to mechanic to make sure it is working properly.

By protecting your investment from start to finish your home will go through the home inspection with flying colors and be more attractive when compared to a similar property that may have some problems.