By admin1
Roof problems
An aging roof can decrease your property value and cause a host of other side effects, including attic leaks and poor ventilation, which may lead to paint blistering and mold inside the home — and high energy bills.
A roof costs an average of $5,870 to $46,000 to replace. Consider investing in a new roof before selling if yours is significantly older or in disrepair compared to neighboring roofs.
Foundation flaws
A severely damaged foundation threatens the structural integrity of your entire home, which can make it difficult to sell. In worst-case scenarios, major foundation repairs can cost $2,224 to $8,129. Even basic fixes can be pricey.
Filling in a single crack, for example, runs between $250 and $800. But you may spend more for extras like slab jacking or hiring a structural engineer to assess the damage.
Lack of modern safety features
One of the first things home inspectors or appraisers look for is detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide. Every state requires in-home smoke detectors. Meanwhile, all states mandate carbon monoxide detectors in homes except Hawaii, and in Kansas and Missouri, the requirement applies only to child and adult care facilities.
Make sure you know your state and local laws — or check with your real estate agent — when it comes to how and where detectors must be installed. GFCI outlets and receptacles are must-haves for rooms with a water source, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Beyond major repairs: What else should you fix?
Once your critical repairs are squared away, turn to additional fixes and upgrades that will make buyers take note. And yield the biggest bang for your buck.
1. Kitchens
If there’s one room in your home that needs to impress buyers, it’s the kitchen. It’s the hub of the home, bringing the family together over great food and creating unforgettable memories at the heart of the home.
Your kitchen doesn’t have to be a state-of-the-art affair. But it does need to be clean, functional, and not an eyesore. If your kitchen is begging for some TLC, for a few hundred dollars or less, you can amp up its appeal with a few strategic repairs and cosmetic updates.
“It doesn’t make sense to start a major kitchen remodel when you’re selling, so I would stick with quick, affordable updates, like lightening and brightening with neutral paint and changing hardware,” Maria Hoffman, an Elite agent in Tampa, Florida, advises.
She also suggests replacing dark, heavy window treatments with blinds that let in more light. Painting your cabinets will instantly perk up any kitchen. And don’t forget simple updates like swapping out old light switches and fixtures for new ones.
“Installing a new light fixture over a kitchen table isn’t super expensive, but it can really update the space and add a bit of a ‘wow’ factor,” Hoffman says.
