Even if your home is relatively new, you will probably want to carry out at least a few repairs and upgrades if you plan on selling it in the near future. Some minor cosmetic damage typically won’t be a problem, but major structural problems could drive away motivated buyers.
Roof Damage
When it comes to your home’s roof, you can never be too careful. Even seemingly minor damage could result in huge problems down the road. Most potential buyers won’t even consider making an offer on a home if they notice roof leaks, cracked tiles, moss on the roof, or other forms of damage. Luckily, most roof damage can quickly be fixed by a professional contractor as long as you catch the early warning signs.
Wood Rot
While most newer homes aren’t going to have any type of rot, you might find that type of damage if your home is more than a few decades old. Over the years, fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can wreak havoc on the frame of a home. Unfortunately, detecting wood rot is very difficult without professional equipment, but you might notice some rot on joists, rafters, and windowsills. If the damage is localized, then it should be relatively easy to repair.
Sagging Walls
As a home grows older, all of the different materials are going to swell and contract whenever the humidity levels and temperatures fluctuate. Over time, that can result in a wide variety of structural problems, and that includes sagging walls. While some minor fluctuations usually aren’t going to be a big deal, you need to be wary if your walls are noticeably sagging. That issue will easily be caught by any inspector that a potential buyer sends to your home.
Large Foundation Cracks
Practically every residential foundation is going to crack in at least a few places, but those cracks shouldn’t shift or spread very quickly. When a home’s foundation shifts in a short period of time, the owner must immediately contact a foundation repair company to explore their options. That damage is only going to get worse, and it could cause expensive structural problems throughout the entire home. If buyers notice the damage, they will not be interested in buying your home.
If you aren’t exactly sure what needs to be fixed, then you might want to spend a little bit of money on an inspection. A professional inspector will be able to go over every inch of your home and catch any serious structural issues that must be addressed right away.
