House Repairs Worth Making Before You Sell: 6 Home Maintenance Repairs That Add Value to Your Home by Kiley Morrow

If you're thinking about selling your home in the near future, you probably want to know what repairs to consider doing on your house. After all, you know that your home will be professionally inspected. After these inspections, your buyer will ask you to complete repairs or maintenance projects or lower the price of your house. You may as well complete these home projects in your own time before the house goes on the market. Not only will you be able to spread out the costs over more months, but you may also be able to save money by completing some projects on your own.

Before we get to the list of repairs you should make, consider purchasing a home protection plan for your buyer. This is a good selling point because it assures the new homeowner that if their inspector failed to uncover a problem with an appliance or a major system, they will be protected by an insurance plan.

Here are some of the home repairs you should consider doing:

1. Replace Old Windows

Buyers will notice windows that have condensation between two panes. This is a sign it’s time to replace your windows. New windows also appeal to new owners because it's one less thing they will have to worry about replacing for years to come. Instead, they can spend their money on fun things like updating a bathroom or buying new furniture. New windows make the home much more efficient as well. This will appeal to potential buyers because they will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs.

2. Repair the Deck

If you live in a part of the country that experiences harsh weather, you know how hard the elements are on decking materials. If you have ignored your deck for years and some of the wood is untreated and brittle, this needs to be repaired or replaced before you put your home on the market. Remove the boards that are in the worst shape, power wash the entire deck and then restain it all the same color. If you plan on putting your house on the market in the spring, complete this project during a dry, fall weekend.

3. Replace a Poorly Functioning Garage Door

Replacing an old garage door will increase your home's curb appeal. It will also keep you from having to make fast repairs when an inspector notices that the garage door opener and door are not functioning correctly. Real estate agents say that garage door replacements usually have an excellent return on investment.

4. Refinish Hardwood Floors

Newly finished hardwood floors will make your home shine in your online sales photos. Buyers are attracted to gleaming wood floors that look brand new. Look at your floors now. Can you see your reflection in them or are they dull, scratched and marred? Remove all your furniture, rent a sander for the weekend and start from scratch. Or if you know that you will be putting your house on the market next spring, take time to find the best person in your area who can give your floors new life. This maintenance project will surely pay off as buyers compete for your home.

5. Remove Popcorn Ceilings

Not going to lie: removing popcorn ceilings is a mess. Once you scrape off the popcorn, it takes skill and time to create beautiful flat ceilings again. Home sellers are reporting that some buyers immediately leave homes when they see the dreaded popcorn, so you may want to really consider this renovation. Unless you are an extremely skilled painter or take great care in protecting your walls, renovating your ceilings may lead to having to repaint the entire room – budget time and money for this project as well.

6. Replace Outdated Light Fixtures

If your bathroom light fixture does not function as it should, consider replacing it before putting your house on the market. Not only can you try to find a fixture on sale, but you can find one that looks more modern and stylish. Go through your house to make sure that all your lights are functioning correctly. While you’re at it, check all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by your list of projects and would rather put your home on the market as is. Before you throw in the towel and take whatever offer you get, check with your real estate agent. Your agent should be able to direct you on the top three repairs you should make before listing your home.

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