DIY Checklist for House Sellers<\/p>\n
In a tough property market many homes have a \u2018For Sale\u2019 sign planted in the lawn for much longer than vendors would like. Whilst industry groups continue to manage consumer expectations and provide reassurance that the housing market will steadily improve, it\u2019s tough if you\u2019re preparing for yet another month with your property on the market. One solution to improving the chances of selling your property quicker is a Houspect pre-listing or general maintenance inspection, which can both be used as great tools for selling your home.<\/p>\n
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Buyers today have the option to be choosy. A pre-listing or general maintenance inspection will help homeowner vendors to catch repairs before they become bargaining chips.
\nIn addition to the transaction going more smoothly, a pre-listing inspection ensures that real estate agents can enter negotiations with confidence regarding the quality of the homes they are selling on behalf of their vendors. That confidence often equates to more dollars in the vendors’ pocket.<\/p>\n
Maintenance Checklist<\/p>\n
To make sure your vendor\u2019s homes stands out from the crowd, consider using HOUSPECT’s do it yourself inspection checklist, a helpful list of items around the house that should be evaluated and repaired if required.
\nVendors need to think of their home as a machine, if one thing is off balance, everything else is compromised.<\/p>\n
Outside Walls<\/p>\n
Carefully inspect the walls to ensure that they are straight. Check for rotten weatherboards, windows, doors and verandah posts.
\nLook for buckled, badly fitted or water stained eaves.<\/p>\n
On the Roof<\/p>\n
Lean your ladder against the guttering and look for a wavy roof line.
\nLook for broken roof tiles and loose ridge and valley tiles.
\nCheck that corrugated iron sheets are in good condition and well nailed down.
\nEnsure that valley and eaves guttering are free from holes and rust. Even small holes can create large leaks.<\/p>\n
Under Timber Floors<\/p>\n
Look under the floor for props or bricks holding up the floor instead of stumps, piers or dwarf walls
\nWith timber stumps, look for stumps with the heaviest water stain.
\nInspect timber framing and floors generally for rot, mould and evidence of borers.
\nCheck to see that the earth is not excessively wet.
\nLook carefully for termite \u2018shelter tubes\u2019.<\/p>\n
In the Roof Space<\/p>\n
Look for sagging roof framing, cracked or broken tiles, rusty iron roofing and leaking ridges or valleys.
\nCheck for shoddy or damaged electrical wiring. Do not touch!
\nA pungent odour or rat-like droppings could indicate the presence of vermin.
\nNote whether or not the ceiling has been insulated.<\/p>\n
Concrete Floors<\/p>\n
Although the underside of the concrete floors cannot be inspected check if there is any exposed perimeter to ensure that the plastic waterproofing membrane is not exposed.<\/p>\n
Timber Floors<\/p>\n
At regular intervals, jump lightly on the floor to detect any rotten floorboards, borer infestation or looseness in the floor framing.
\nCheck to see if the floors are level, or there are gaps between floor and skirting. If stumps or piers are sinking, floors will always fall away from fireplaces or brick walls.<\/p>\n
Walls<\/p>\n
Check that walls are straight and true.
\nLook for cracks and general movement and be particularly wary of freshly painted or wallpapered areas.
\nCarefully inspect brick walls for signs of dampness.
\nLook for cracks beside chimneys and look for doorways and windows that aren’t square, or are jamming. Lightly tap walls and tiled surfaces with the handle of your screwdriver.<\/p>\n
Ceilings<\/p>\n
Check that ceilings are straight and true, and look for cracks or signs of movement at the cornices.
\nLook for water stains and mould growth which could indicate excessive condensation or roof leaks.<\/p>\n
Windows and Ventilators<\/p>\n
Make sure that windows can be opened and check for broken window panes.
\nCheck for excessive condensation and mould growth on windows and walls.<\/p>\n
Electrical Systems<\/p>\n
Check that the light switches and power points work.
\nIf you are at all in doubt about the condition of the electrical system, you should have it checked by an expert.<\/p>\n
Plumbing Systems<\/p>\n
Check all plumbing fittings for cracks or leaks.
\nTest the water pressure in hot and cold taps.
\nPartially fill the bath or laundry tubs and observe whether or not the water drains away properly.
\nLook for damp ground in the vicinity of the drains.
\nCheck for dampness and soft soil where down pipes meet the ground.<\/p>\n
General<\/p>\n
Examine the house for appropriate room layout, orientation to the sun, views, relation to neighbours, traffic noise, and if not optimal, whether the house can be improved at an affordable cost.<\/p>\n
Renovations and Extensions<\/p>\n