Following up on our original blog post, here are some additional ways to improve the home inspection process from a seller's point of view.
When selling your home, the goal is likely to maximize the sale price and minimize the anxiety/stress during the process, right? Let us help you by preparing your home for a home inspection, outlining deficiencies that are often overlooked by sellers before putting the home on the market. Everyone can notice a failing roof, peeling paint, and broken windows. What will come up that you're not aware of?
Stairs/deck Baluster Spacing: Keeping children safe when climbing stairs on a deck is paramount when selling to a young family. Vertical balusters should always be installed if climbing more than three steps or 32" above the grade when on a deck. Balusters should never be more than 4" apart. Railings that are climbable are a serious fall hazard for kids (see photo below). Seniors also appreciate a good handrail to keep from falling. Who to call: A qualified carpenter.
Water Heater Age. How old is too old? Water heaters typically last 10 years and should be considered for replacement at that point. Specifically, we're talking about an electric water heater. The elements go, hard or corrosive water wreaks havoc on the inner-workings. Failure can either simply lead to no hot water or worse, a flooded basement. Indirect water heaters (tanks supplied with hot water by a furnace) are different and often last as long as your furnace may (25 years-ish). See how to identify the age from the gibberish on the tank information plate here. Guesses on the age of the water heater below? Seems clean and relatively new, right? Try 36 years...Who to call: A qualified plumber..
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: The number one bang-for-your-safety-buck are carbon monoxide alarms. Having an alarm installed near all of your gas or oil burning appliances may not be required, but it should be. What else can you purchase for $35 that will save your life over a ten year period? I can't think of one. Installing a CO alarm or a combination smoke/CO alarm in your basement or wherever your furnace is can save your life. You can't smell or taste CO, you simply don't wake up. "I don't need one. My furnace is new." Read this. "I have an alarm." Does it really detect CO or just smoke? "I tested it and it works." Really? You tested its ability to detect CO or did you just hit the button to see if it makes a sound when told to? Install or re-install a CO/Smoke alarm every ten years. Have at least one on each floor. Who to call: A reputable handyman.
Addressing these issues prior to the home inspection will give you and your buyer peace of mind. From a buyer standpoint, your home will look well-cared for with fewer surprises.
Thanks for reading,
Matt & Matt
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