In a previous blog, I stressed how important is is to have your home inspection done before you put your Piedmont home on the market. It will give you a sense of how ready you are to sell, help with proper home pricing, and motivate you to fix things first, before potential buyers discover them, causing future negotiation issues.
While this is not a comprehensive list, I would like to give you a general idea of some of the most important things that the inspector will be checking on the inside of your home:
1. Heating and Air Systems: Are they efficient? Do they serve your needs, or are they worn out? Have you replaced your filters on both at least once a year? When was the last time they were inspected?
2. Ducts and Vents: These are especially important in that they allow proper air flow through the house, and prevent mold and dust from building up. They supplement the heating and air systems, as well. They should be inspected from the basement through to the roof to insure that they are not clogged or damaged.
3. Electrical Systems: Often, in older homes, these systems are drastically out of date. New large screen TVs, speakers, computers, printers, etc., add an often unexpected burden on the current electrical system. Buyers will want to know that they can move in and be able to plug in all of these things and be able to use them immediately, so a check is very important.Â
4. Hot Water and Plumbing Systems: It becomes very important to check the age and efficiency of the pipes and plumbing throughout the home. Standards of acceptability have changed over the years, and if you have not updated these things, the cost to do so could be quite severe. An efficient hot water heater is also always in demand, and worth the generally low cost investment.Â
5. Structural Issues: These incorporate both the interior and exterior construction of the home. Obvious cracks on walls, at the top or base of the stairs, around the doors and windows will be looked at, and a determination must be made as to their cause. Leaks around tubs, sinks, windows, and water spots on the ceiling are all evidence of something that must be looked into. The presence of mold is often a warning sign of problems.
While there are more inspection issues to consider, these are some of the major interior items to review,  and prepare for. Try to address as many as you can afford, or choose to tackle, before you start negotiating your sale.
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Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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