Your house is a potential investment you can sell at any time. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you have plans to sell it, the damages and projects discussed below can impact the resale value.
Lack of Insulation
Insulation prevents heat loss from the house, allowing you to save on energy costs. Customers will most likely consider the insulation properties to save energy costs if your home is in a cold area.
Lack of proper insulation can be a significant drawback when you plan to sell your house. The main types of insulation that you can consider for your house before selling it include spray foam insulation, cellulose, fiberglass, polyurethane, mineral wool, and many more. Here are the great benefits of insulating your house before selling it.
Comfortable Temperature
Insulation allows favorable temperatures all year round. In winter, the insulation maintains warm air in the house. In spring, it protects the harsh effects of strong winds from getting in the house. Adequate insulation can also prevent the effects of hailstorms, keeping you safe and warm.
Low Energy Costs
Housing insulations can save up to 15% of your heating and cooling costs. The insulation prevents wasted energy and reduces wear and tear on your HVAC units because they don’t overwork.
Less Noise
Is your house located on a busy street or in a noisy neighborhood? Well-installed insulation can absorb the noise, giving you the peace and calmness you need in your home. It also improves privacy because the sound from your house doesn’t get outside.
Find an experienced insulation services contractor to help you determine the ideal type of insulation before you sell it.
Poor Septic Tank Maintenance
Many house buyers consider the septic tank first before buying a house. You may lose potential house buyers if your septic tank is poorly maintained.
All wastewater from your house goes to the septic, where it’s filtered and treated. A problem in the septic tank will most likely reflect in your drainage systems and even in the sinks and toilets.
Before selling your house, schedule septic pumping and inspection to drain the accumulated waste and ensure everything is okay in the operation of the tank. Here are the main warning signs that your septic tank needs immediate repair and maintenance:
Slow Drains
Slow drains in the toilet, bathtub, or kitchen sinks could imply something is wrong with the septic tank. A plumber can help inspect and remove any clogging caused by slow drains.
Sewage Smell
Strange smells from the drainage systems are an obvious sign of clogs and other drainage problems in your septic tank. Check the septic tank immediately to avoid a nasty mess that may adversely affect your selling plans.
Green Lush
Do you notice a green lush around the septic tank? If yes, there are drainage leaks responsible for the green yard. Schedule an expert inspection and maintenance service right away.
Overflowing
Overflowing is another obvious sign of a problem around the septic tank. When it rains, the rainwater gets into the septic tank through cracks. The groundwater fills the tank, and that’s why you notice overflowing. Fix the problem immediately before selling your house.
Foundation Problems
A well-built foundation keeps your house safe and stable, even in earthquakes. It holds your house evenly such that it won’t have to sink. If your house is old, chances are the foundation shows signs of wear and tear, and you should correct them accordingly.
Generally, a house buyer will consider the state of the house foundation before buying to make an informed decision. A strong foundation can increase the resale value, while a poor one can make you lose potential buyers.
If you intend to sell your house, schedule concrete repair service and inspection beforehand to increase the resale value. The contractor will look for any signs of damage and recommend the ideal type of foundation repair you should consider. Here are the main warning signs that your home has foundation problems.
Visible Wall Cracks
Small cracks on your walls may not always signify anything serious. However, large, zigzag cracks may imply something is wrong with the foundation, requiring immediate repair.
Uneven Floor
Your floor should be even if the foundation is solid and stable. Changes in the stability or evenness of your floor could be a warning sign that the foundation is not stable.
Sagging Door/Window Frames
Door and window frames should be well connected to the walls without leaving any space for cracks. Sagging frames could be caused by foundation issues that you should inspect as soon as possible before selling your residential property.
Weeds/Plants near The Foundation
A crack or gap in the foundation encourages plants to thrive well. Therefore, weeds growing in some parts of your foundation could imply gaps that need repair.
Basement Flooding
Frequent basement flooding could trigger molds, mildew, and other hazards you should worry about. Your home could experience basement flooding when it’s located in a flood-prone area, hill bottom, or on a slope. Similarly, basement flooding could result from poor waterproofing, clogged gutters, plumbing issues, or poor drainage systems.
Basement flooding is not appealing to the eyes, so it may keep prospective house buyers or lower the overall resale value of the house. As such, you should inspect your house for basement leaks and flooding and seek expert waterproofing services to prevent the issue from worsening.
An experienced waterp roofing contractor can seal the cracks and grade the foundation well to control the effects of basement flooding. If you are unsure of basement flooding in your house, consider the signs below and take immediate action if you notice any.
Standing Water
Any standing water on your foundation you cannot locate is likely coming from the basement. Inspect and eliminate the cause to increase the resale value of your home.
Foundation Cracks
Visible cracks on the foundation could easily result in flooding because they let in moisture. Fix them before they cause adverse effects on your basements.
Water Stains
Water stains on your home’s walls, floors, and other parts could be signs of basement flooding. These stains may discolor the surfaces and even cause mold and mildew. If you notice discolored stains on your house surfaces, clean them and identify the source because they might lower the value of your house.
Awkward Roofing Choices
Roofing is a main selling point for a house, and it can make or break the deal. If you do a roof renovation to sell your house, consider general designs that many buyers might like. This is because a roofing design that might interest you might not be impressive in the eyes of your buyers.
If you plan to sell your house, hire an experienced roofer to discuss the best roofing designs that could increase its value. The ideal roof should have the following features:
Resilience
Install a strong roof that offers maximum protection against weather conditions. Your roofing contractor can advise on the most durable options for your house according to its location and environmental risk factors.
Excellent Design
There are many roofing designs nowadays, and choosing the best for your house can be challenging. The ideal design should match the look of your house and should also adhere to state laws. Whether you choose a flat or slanted roof, ensure it’s well-installed for the best results.
Energy Efficient
Energy-efficient roofs can significantly increase the resale value of your house. Install an energy-efficient roof to help the new owner save on energy costs.
Lack of Mold Removal
Are there molds in your house? Most buyers will not even check your house twice when they notice molds. Molds are health hazards—no one will risk buying a mold-infested house. Similarly, many molds in your house can reduce the resale value because an owner will invest in the removal first when they buy.
Mold is caused by excess moisture getting into the house. The moisture could leak through the windows, roofs, or drainage pipes. You can get rid of molds by cleaning the affected areas with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, but the long-lasting solution is to block the source of moisture.
If many areas are infected with mold, schedule local mold removal services to eliminate the problems permanently. An expert will look for the main signs of mold, like fungus on furniture, spotted clothing, contaminated carpets, allergies, and many more, and initiate the removal process. Ensure the house is mold free before listing it for sale.
Fire Damage
Fire is a severe hazard you may not always control. Perhaps your house was once under fire caused by heating appliances, electrical faults, or even third-party causes. While the place may be safe now, removing and renewing the fire damage evidence is vital.
Most buyers assess fire effects, mainly if they are aware the house was sometimes under fire. The evaluation could include doing a chemical sponge test on the walls to know the extent of smoke in the house.
Extensive effects of fire could significantly lower the house’s resale value, and that’s why you should do something before selling the house.
Your first step should be to call a damage evaluator to examine the house and remove any evidence of damage in your home. You could repair the house afresh, change the furniture, and generally remodel the house.
Most importantly, you should offer a solution to the initial cause of the fire so that the new buyer can be guaranteed the same incident won’t happen again.
Un-Insulated Pipes
Pipe insulation involves wrapping a protective covering around the pipes to maintain temperature and minimize heat transfer. Are your house pipes uninsulated? If yes, consider insulating them to prevent heat loss and increase your house’s value.
The insulation process is quite technical, and you may need the help of an experienced drainage contractor to accomplish the task. The expert should advise on the best type of insulation because you can use silica, glass wool, rock wool, and many more.
Proper pipe insulation shows the house buyers that you care for them because it reduces energy bills. Here are the main benefits of pipe insulation:
Increased Safety
High temperatures on pipes can increase the risk of fires since the hot pipes easily transmit fire. Glass insulation optimizes temperatures in the pipes, increasing safety in your house.
Sound Control
Proper insulation on pipes can minimize the banging sounds that occur when the pipes vibrate. Less sound increases calmness in your home.
Less Energy Waste
Some heat is lost when water moves through the pipes, from the source to the faucets. Insulation works by maintaining the water temperature inside the pipes, so it helps you save energy in the long run.
Clogged Drains
A house buyer will usually inspect every part of the house, including the drainage system! Any signs of clogged drains, like slow sinks and toilets, could lower the house release value, so you should solve the problem before selling your home.
Clogged drains can cause unpleasant odors, attract molds, and weaken the house structure when left unattended. Inspect the drainage systems for clogs, and hire a drain cleaning service to help solve the problems. Here are the main signs to look out for when inspecting for clogged drains:
Slow Sink/Toilets Drains
Slow-draining sinks or toilets can be annoying when you are using them. Similarly, they can also lower the resale value of your house when you attempt to sell the house without unclogging them. Call a draining expert immediately if you notice slow toilets and sinks because there could be a severe clogging issue.
Sewage Smell
A sewage smell from the house could be a turn-off to prospective buyers. Have your drainage system checked if you have noticed a foul smell coming from your home.
Pests in Pipes
Small insects and rodents along the pipes could imply a clog that attracts them. Don’t call your exterminator immediately without finding out the cause of their presence.
Rise in Water Bills
It’s normal for water bills to rise when you increase your water consumption. However, a sudden, unexplained rise in the bills could imply a clogging problem in the drainage systems, which causes leaks, hence the high bills.
Start Increasing Your Home Resale Value Today!
The above are the most common damages you should avoid when selling a house. If you spot any, take immediate action immediately to increase the value of your house. Feel free to schedule for expert inspection to pinpoint the damages you may not notice.