Published in the February 8, 2018 edition
NORTH READING — You and your realtor spend an enormous amount of time and energy preparing and marketing your home for sale. Don’t let these avoidable issues ruin that hard work.
“It’s much easier to resolve these issues before they show up on an inspection report,” states Brett Maloney of Indian Rock Inspections. “Most home buyers, especially first-time buyers, find the process of purchasing a home very stressful. It’s best to eliminate as much stress as possible before an offer to purchase is submitted.”
EDDIE MADDEN Farrelly Realty Group (Courtesy Photo)
To minimize the stress, use the tools you were born with: your eyes, ears and nose.
The homeowner can do these simple tasks but it’s better if you have a friend or a neighbor that can give you hand. They have a better chance of pointing out things that you may have become accustomed to over the years.
Use your eyes:
Walk around the home and make note of anything that looks problematic.
On the exterior of the home look for the following: missing or damaged roofing, clogged or damaged gutters, missing or damaged downspouts and extensions, trees or shrubbery that are either too close to the home (less than 36 inches) or overhanging the roof, peeling paint or deteriorated siding, loose trim and caulking, tripping hazards in walkways or driveway, loose or missing railings on the porches and decks.
Also, cracked or damaged bricks/mortar on the chimney, leaking spigots, missing safety covers on exterior receptacles and pooling of water on walkways or around the foundation. You should check the exterior lighting fixtures. Lastly, if the home has a working fireplace, you should find out if the chimney has a liner and when the chimney was last swept.
BRETT MALONEY Indian Rock Inspections (Courtesy Photo)
On the interior of the home look for: water/moisture stains – especially in the basement, on the ceilings, exterior walls and under cabinets; mold or mildew, soot staining in the home, leaking faucets and plumbing under the cabinets or in the basement, and loose toilets.
You should also make sure that the appliances operate as intended. Be sure to look for missing knobs or handles on cabinetry and doors and for cracked or fogged windows and sliders. Other things to consider are broken or missing switch/receptacle plates, unsecured or exposed wiring in the home, attic or basement.
Check the service tag on your HVAC equipment and water heater – If the equipment has not been serviced within the past year, call your HVAC company and schedule a yearly service/cleaning. Are there any blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers in the electric panel? Don’t forget the little things like replacing any dead light bulbs.
Use your ears:
Make note of any odd noises that your HVAC equipment makes while in operation. Be sure to listen for any hammering or knocking noises when using your faucets. If you have ceiling fans, make sure that they operate quietly and are in balance. If you hear any scampering in your walls or ceiling, then place a call to your exterminator sooner rather than later. Also check for any damage caused by your furry little friends.
Use your nose:
Your nose can tell you a lot about your home so use it throughout the house. Pay attention to any odd odors when you turn on the HVAC system. Mold or mildew odors can sometimes be found in the bathroom, attic or basement. If you have a pet, make sure that you eliminate any odors associated with them.
Once you have compiled your list, you should then assess what you’re capable of doing on your own. But keep in mind that everyone has limitations so don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate tradesperson for the issues you are not capable of, or comfortable, doing. If you believe that you can fix some things on your own but need some advice, then don’t hesitate to search YouTube for a wide variety of handy household repair videos.
When you follow these simple suggestions, you will have eliminated a multitude of potential sources of stress and potential issues.
Brett Maloney is the owner of Indian Rock Inspections and Eddie Madden is a realtor with the Farrelly Realty Group. Call them today with any questions or concerns.
Brett Maloney: 978-766-0366; Brett@IndianRockInspections.com
Eddie Madden: 781-962-7269; Eddie@FarrellyRealty.com.
