Top 10 Home Repairs If Your Home Is On The Market

Although curb appeal is important and can help make a good first impression, the interior of a home needs to be in good shape as well. Here are the top 10 home repairs to make if your home is on the market (or will be soon):

1. Dry basement: A damp, musty basement is a red flag, but fortunately, it can usually be resolved fairly easily. For example, a roof downspout may not be draining away from the home or simply placing a dehumidifier in the space may resolve the issue.
2. Water heater operation: The water heater should be working properly, vented correctly, and not leaking from any valves or other connections. Check to make sure that there is no rust or corrosion at the base of the tank or visible in the combustion chamber.
3. Waste line drainage: Ensure that all drains are unclogged and toilets are draining correctly. If any drains are clogged, try using a drain de-clogger and if that doesn’t work, consider hiring a professional to clear waste lines.
4. Leaky faucets and pipes: Check the faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms for leaks and check the basement or crawlspace for leaky valves or pipes.
5. Garbage disposal: Check the disposal to make sure that it’s not clogged and that it is working properly.
6. Electrical panel: Make sure that the area in front of the panel is cleared away and that the panel door is clean. Check for any tripped circuit breakers or popped fuses. You may need to ensure that the ground wire is securely clamped to the cold water pipe (if applicable).
7. GFCI outlets: GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter and they are an important safety feature that is required for kitchen countertop receptacles and all bathroom receptacles.
8. Furnace and air conditioner: Ensure that seasonal furnace maintenance has been done including replacing the furnace filter. The area around the furnace should be cleared away and free from clutter. The thermostat should be in good working condition and the condensing unit of the central air system should be cleaned.
9. Drywall: Any holes in the drywall, big or small, need to be fixed.
10. Paint: Any walls that have been patched will need to be repainted and consider painting any walls/rooms that are dirty or that need a new, neutral color scheme.