The Most Common Issues When Selling a House

When you sell your house on the real estate market, passing a home inspection is part of the process. It can be a stressful situation. You don’t know what defects the inspector will find or how much it’s going to cost to repair them. Here are some of the most common issues when selling a house and how to fix them.

What Are Some Issues When Selling a House That Are Fixable?

Many items can pop up on a house inspection. You may see anything ranging from a minor defect to a major dilemma. Here are five problem areas where concerns tend to arise.

Water

Water in the wrong places can lead to a slew of problems for a house. If the ground is sloping or draining toward the home, significant water damage may occur in areas such as the foundation and crawl spaces. Standing water outside the home could not only seep into the house, but also attract unwanted pests (such as mosquitoes). If moisture is not able to leave the home, mold and mildew may form, which becomes a serious health issue. Mold could lead to rotting wood and attract termites to the house. When there are plumbing issues involving leaks or slow drains, they may cause bigger problems such as cross-connection issues or the need for pipe replacement. How to fix water issues: A professional with expertise in restoring and remediating water damage can figure out the cause of the problem and give you an estimate on repairs.

Structure

When cracks are discovered in the foundation, there could be some structural problems, such as framing and roofing issues. The basement may have leaks, and the doors and windows may not close properly. Structural issues occur because of natural disasters, settling, and poor drainage. Improper cutting or shoring up of girders, tissues, or joists can also happen during construction and renovation. How to fix structural issues: A structural engineer can verify whether your home is structurally sound. A foundation repair contractor can assess the scope of the work and give you a quote.

Electrical

Faulty wiring is a common issue in older houses. Exposed wires, loose outlets, and an excessive amount of extension cords are all safety hazards that need to be addressed. Sometimes, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GCFI) outlets are not installed in areas with water (such as kitchens and bathrooms). Issues with the service panel or box could also be detected. How to fix electrical issues: An electrician can determine whether your issues are harmless or hazardous. They can evaluate the job and tell you how much it will cost to fix the problems.

HVAC

The average life expectancy of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) is 10-20 years, depending on service and maintenance. So if you’ve lived in the home for a long time, there’s a chance your unit may not be working properly. Bad wiring and gas leaks could come up. Cracks in the ductwork and flue pipes may exist. Other defects include improper installations and aged components. How to fix HVAC issues: An HVAC technician can estimate how much repairs will cost and give your unit a tune-up. They can even help you price a new system if the existing one is too old and needs to be replaced.

Safety

Besides mold health threats and electrical fire hazards, other issues can make a home unsafe. A security system is not a necessity, but the doors and windows should have working locks. There must be enough smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home as required by state law. Building code violations may come up if renovations and additions don’t meet the required standards. Asbestos, radon, and lead paint can be dangerous in a home. Disturbed asbestos found in crumbling insulation is a serious health issue that must be taken care of. Contaminated dust from lead-based paint on the walls can cause poisoning, especially in children. A high radon level in the basement may increase the risk of lung cancer. How to fix safety issues: All of these issues should be handled by professionals to comply with the law. An asbestos abatement contractor, a radon mitigation professional, and a lead abatement expert can be hired to help.