Prepping to Sell a House? Avoid These Mistakes

Every homeowner hears the words renovate and repair when thinking about the steps to sell a house.  It is much easier to sell a house that is up to date versus one in need of an overhaul in the kitchen and a few updates throughout the house.  

However, that does not mean the home sellers should tackle these problems on their own.  Many owners end up with an even bigger problem after they attempt to fix something themselves. This can make the situation worse.

The Walls

Without knowing a lot about drywall, it can be hard to fix any problems with the walls.  A home seller can easily paint their walls for a fresh look but they may not know how to replace or fix an area where there are holes or cracks.  

As you prepare to sell a house, avoid making the problem bigger and just hire a professional to fix the wall.

Temperature Control

Adding in simple updates to a heating or cooling system is a good way to appeal to buyers.  Everyone wants to save money while still being comfortable in their home. A homeowner that tries to fix or update these systems runs the risk of ruining their wiring in the house.  Not to mention they could seriously injure themselves or the new owners after they move in.

Installing New Appliances

There are some appliances that are easy to install.  For example, a fridge or washer and dryer set often have an area where they are designated to be.  It is as simple as plugging them in and connecting them to water.

However, installing a system that has never been in the house is another problem altogether.  One such install is a dishwasher.

Dishwasher installs often wreak havoc on homes. When installing a dishwasher there needs to be new drain lines under the appliance.  Installing these drain lines can get tricky and many owners end up flooding their kitchen when it goes wrong. Trying to fix that mess can cost them even more if they have to replace their floor.  

Landscaping

Mowing the lawn and tripping the hedges is a great project for a home seller.  Taking down trees is not. It is too easy to drop a tree on a house or garage. Even if the tree does not seem too large it can inflict some damage if it falls the wrong way.  

A professional can safely take care of the problem without the risk of hurting someone or the property in the process.

Proper Seals

Windows are expensive to purchase.  Trying to save money on installation sounds good until there is mold in the walls. But a bad seal can create a big problem.  

If the window is not properly in place it will be easier for water to get into hard-to-reach areas and ultimately ruin the walls.  The problem may not be noticed right away and the new owners may come back to sue if they know the previous owner is responsible for the installation.

New Wiring

It may be tempting to add in a new light or update fixtures, but a professional should be running these new wires.  The older the home the more likely a problem can be occured when trying to install any new electrical components. It is a dangerous situation and can cost a lot down the road to fix.

An inspector is going to want to know who did the work on electrical projects.  A do-it-yourself project is going to be looked at closely and could be a problem.  If there are any problems with the wiring not being up to code the owner will need to pay for it to get fixed.

On The Rooftop

Fixing a roof is dangerous.  An inexperienced homeowner is likely to fall and hurt themselves when trying to complete this project.  The steeper the roof the harder it will be for an owner to keep their balance and complete the project well.

The Pipes

Simple plumbing problems are something a homeowner deals with all the time.  However, if the homeowner is starting to take apart pipes and is not sure of what the problem is, they are getting into a plumber’s territory.  Unless it is a simple fix and nothing needs to be taken apart it is better to call the professionals instead of risking flooding the house.

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