We all hate doing dirty work, but it must be done. It may be more satisfying to replace old cabinets or choose a new paint color, but these home maintenance projects need just as much attention.
The market is hot right now, so you might be hopping on the selling train soon. To ensure a smooth sale with no interruptions, you may need to partake in a little DIY home improvement.
Take out your notebooks and get ready to put together your home maintenance checklist! We guarantee you have been overlooking at least one of these items.
1. Exhaust fans
The exhaust and ventilation fans in your bathroom and attic aid in reducing odor and moisture in your home. They also help to release hot air and bring in cool air.
These fans should be cleaned and wiped down every three months to ensure energy efficiency throughout your home.
Before listing photos are taken, clean these areas well. You would be surprised the things that can turn home buyers off.
2. Window seals
If you notice the caulking on your window seal start to peel, it is important you re-caulk it immediately. The damage that a broken window seal causes will go unnoticed until it is too late.
These issues include moisture, condensation, mildew, mold, and wood rot. These issues build up in the window frame, which homeowners cannot see until the damage is large enough to cause a hefty repair bill.
Try to take a close look at all your windows at least twice a year.
3. Foundation cracks
Even small cracks in your foundation can cause big problems. These cracks increase in size quicker than you may think, possibly requiring you to replace the whole foundation.
A small crack can simply be fixed with a concrete sealer that may be purchased at your local home improvement store.
By sprucing up these small cracks, potential home buyers may receive a more favorable home inspection report which means less stress for you!
4. Garage door springs
No one likes to hear a creaky garage door during a home showing.
Garage doors do not last forever. The spring and mechanisms will rust and wear over time.
To preserve the longevity of your garage door, lubricate the springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks once a year. Using a silicone spray or motor oil is recommended.
5. Water heater
Mineral deposits build up in your water heater over time. If not drained and cleaned properly, this will clog your drains and faucets.
Every 6 to 12 months, flush your water heater by placing a bucket under your drain valve and let all the sediment collect in the bucket.
Also, note that the average lifespan for a water heater is 25 years old. Potential homebuyers could turn around and ask for contributions to replace an old water heater. Such discussions could delay a speedy closing or even cause you to lose out on a good deal.
6. Crawl space
Moisture damage is common underneath homes with a crawl space.
Oftentimes, this damage goes unnoticed until the home inspection is performed.
To avoid this costly catastrophe, lay down a vapor barrier or install a humidifier. This will also help to improve the air quality in your home.
7. Kitchen sink
Everything but the kitchen sink? Think again. Your kitchen sink suffers daily wear and tear, not to mention the chemicals from the cleaners that go down the drain.
Avoid any leakage or damage by removing all the old caulking and re-caulking. Complete this task whenever you notice your caulking getting old.
This can make an older sink look brand new again!
While you are at it, read Three Upgrades Homeowners Should Make Before Selling Their Home During COVID-19.
You may not be ready to sell your house just yet, but, when the time is right, these completed tasks will eliminate any surprises during closing.
