Whether you’re selling your Fairfax home or you’re a first time buyer, there are certain things you should consider fixing before you go to market. There are several things to look for, including foundation problems, roof leaks, plumbing, water damage, and electrical issues. In this article, we’ll look at some of these things and how you can fix them.
Electrical and GFCI
Having your home’s electrical and GFCI repaired is important before selling it. These devices can protect you from electric shock and prevent fires. Having these problems corrected is also important for getting top dollar for your home.
A GFCI is a device that shuts off power to an outlet when it detects abnormal electrical current flowing through the outlet. It works on both ungrounded and grounded outlets. It also protects the entire circuit board.
In many older homes, the electrical system has been overtaxed. This is caused by the use of non-metallic wiring. Aluminum wiring from the 40s and 50s is a safety hazard. If you have aluminum wiring in your home, you must upgrade the electrical system to meet current code.
GFCI receptacles were required to be installed in homes starting in 1971. Originally, these receptacles were only required for swimming pool equipment. But, they have been required in more and more locations.
GFCI outlets protect the entire circuit board from electrical shock. They detect abnormal current and shut off the circuit in a fraction of a second. The test and reset buttons are located in the center of the outlet. They are easily recognizable.
Plumbing and Water Damage
Having a professional take care of plumbing and water damage is a wise move. If left unchecked, water damage can lead to mold, which can be toxic to your health and home.
A pre-sale home inspection will help you identify problems before you sell. Whether it’s a leaky sink or a clogged toilet, these problems can derail a sale. A top notch real estate agent can help you prioritize repairs to improve the sale price of your home. Aside from being a smart move, having a real estate agent on your side can save you time and energy.
One of the best ways to avoid water damage is to have your plumbing and heating systems in tip top condition. A professional plumber can test the pipes to ensure they are working properly. Having a properly working kitchen is also a smart move. Having an appliance free of water damage will make life easier for you and your family.
A pre-sale home appraisal will also help you identify problems you might have overlooked. Aside from checking the water pressure, it’s important to have your heating and cooling systems working at peak performance. A faulty system can lead to a big expense down the road.
Roof problems
Using a roofing company to fix your roof is a great way to prevent costly repairs, which is not to mention the oh so important factor of safety. The roof is one of the first things that need to be considered when moving into a new house. Using a top-notch roofing company will help ensure your home is in tip top shape for a price you can afford.
It is also worth noting that a good roofing company will recommend a few other things to consider, including what type of roofing material to use and what type of insulation to use. Keeping up with the roof is not a task for the faint of heart, as it can be quite costly and time consuming.
The best way to tell if you need to enlist the services of a roofing company is to ask them to take a walk around your home and inspect the roof. This is the best time to see if your roof is leaking and see if there are any problems that need to be addressed. In addition, an inspection may reveal some other less obvious problems, such as the dreaded mold and mildew.
Interior and Exterior Paint
Investing in Interior and Exterior Paint before selling a house in Fairfax is a great way to increase the value of your home. The right color can help your home stand out from the rest and give you an edge in the competitive real estate market.
A neutral color scheme can make a home look modern and spacious. It can also help attract more buyers.
When selling your home, you should make sure to repair any problems that may pop up. These can be things such as cracks or missing stucco. The damage can also be caused by moisture getting inside the walls. This could cause health problems and structural rot.
You should also consider hiring a professional to perform a home inspection. A professional will check your home’s structure and fix any problems that may cause problems during a home sale. This service will help you sell your home fast.
You should also take steps to fix any moisture damage. Moisture can cause drywall problems and structural rot. You should also take care of any loose siding or shingles.
Aside from repairing the interior and exterior paint, you should also inspect your home for signs of deterioration. Tough scuff marks and grease stains are signs that it is time to repaint.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
Regardless of whether you are selling your home, or just want to make improvements, updating your kitchen and bathroom can help increase your home’s value. These two rooms tend to receive the most attention from potential buyers, so it is important to take care of them before putting your home on the market.
Your kitchen should be clean and functional. You can update your cabinets, paint them, and install new lighting fixtures. If you have hardwood floors, you may want to consider refinishing them to bring the space into the modern age.
If you have tile floors, consider replacing cracked or stained tiles. It may also be time to replace your toilet seat.
If you are planning a home improvement project, contact a professional remodeling contractor to get an estimate. They will help you determine how long the project will take and how much it will cost. They also know how to properly complete the work.
The kitchen is the center of your home, and it should be clean and functional. You can give your cabinets a new coat of paint and install a new light fixture over your kitchen table to improve the look of the room.
Update the lighting
Performing some form of a lighting makeover before you put your house on the market is probably a good idea. Not only does it show off your home’s sexy sexiness but it can also serve as a way to mitigate the lack of natural light. You might be surprised to learn that a well-lit home will sell your house for a higher price. Moreover, the right kind of lighting can even re-enliven a tired looking home.
A well-lit home will be a welcome addition to anyone’s list of must-haves. For instance, a solar powered lamp along the path leading to the front door can prevent tripping hazards, as well as provide a light-hearted diversion during those long nighttime hours. The same goes for a motion-activated light or two in the yard. While it may seem like a good idea to install a fancy light fitting in every room, your home may have limited or no use for such a fixture. Alternatively, you can opt for a more minimalist approach.
Hopefully, you have a reputable real estate agent on speed dial to help you get the ball rolling. Having an experienced home sales professional on your side will not only give you a leg up on the competition, it’s also likely to make the experience a breeze.
Foundation
Whether you’re in the process of selling a house in Fairfax, Virginia or planning to build a new home, you should know whether the property has foundation issues. If you do, you’ll need to decide whether to fix the problems before you sell the house.
If the foundation is in good shape, you may be able to get a higher sale price. But if the problems are more serious, the cost to repair it could be expensive. In some cases, your mortgage lender might refuse to finance the house or require proof that you’ve repaired the foundation.
If you can’t afford to fix the foundation, you should offer to give the buyer credit for the repairs. That way, you can still get the house sold.
Another option is to hire a structural engineer to assess the damages and estimate the cost of repairs. This service costs about $500 to $1,000 and can be a good idea. However, you should also check with your insurance agent to determine whether you will be covered for the repairs.
If you decide to fix the foundation, you should also disclose the issues to potential buyers. This will give them peace of mind. It will also reassure them that the house is in good shape and that the repairs won’t be too expensive.
Del Aria Investments & Holdings
11166 Fairfax Blvd Suite 500, Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 936-4331