Selling a house, especially one that may need repairs, can be a complex and multifaceted process, but with proper preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. To secure a higher sale price and streamline the sale of your property, it’s crucial to put forth the effort to make certain that your house is in top condition. Of course there are are always ways to sell your home that needs repairs, we are just listing suggestions on repairs we’ve seen as critical or miscellaneous. We’ll discuss about the critical repairs that you must undertake before listing your house for sale some more important than others. This is to ensure that you’re making the best possible impression on prospective buyers.
Have no funds or patience for repairs? Get cash offers with Squarerise today and skip the repairs!
What to fix up when selling a house?
Not every repair is the same and every home has unique needs and requirements. Although to start off you will most likely be focusing on the important aspects of the home. It’s not a good idea to take shortcuts or gloss over issues which can later result in costly and dangerous consequences.
Before putting your home on the market, it’s important to think about the major repairs that need to be done and weigh them against your budget. From re-roofing the structure to repairing the HVAC system, major projects can often be a deciding factor for potential buyers. Whenever possible, use your available resources to focus your efforts on the more important repair jobs to make sure that your home is in the best condition possible deciding to market your home for sale.
Be sure to take the time to carefully consider the type of repair that is needed and making sure all of the steps are taken to ensure that the repair is completed properly is essential. So now you might be asking what are the important task that can impact a home’s sale? Let’s dig deeper into them.
Critical Repairs
For us, critical repairs are considered repairs that are either expensive, take a long time or require a lot of labor and may even be dangerous for non-professionals to perform.
Roof Repairs
The roof is one of the most prominent features of your home, so it’s essential that it is in good condition before listing it for sale.
From identifying any minor issues such as leaky roofs or missing shingles, to replacing the whole roof if it’s severely damaged, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that the roof is in its best condition before putting your home on the market. Failing to address any issues with the roof can be a major turn-off for potential buyers, as it can represent a major risk and expense to them. A well-maintained roof increases the appeal of your home and can maximize your return from the sale.
When replacing a roof, the cost can vary widely depending on the square footage of the home, as well as the type of material used for the job. According to national averages, replacing a roof typically costs anywhere from $5,500 to $11,000, but can go even higher depending on the size and complexity of the project. If your home needs a roof replacement, it pays to consider your options carefully and make sure you get the best quality materials and expertise to ensure that the job is done properly.
| Roof Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $4,350 – $11,000 |
| 1,100 | $4,785 – $12,100 |
| 1,200 | $5,220 – $13,200 |
| 1,500 | $6,525 – $16,500 |
| 1,600 | $6,960 – $17,600 |
| 1,700 | $7,395 – $18,700 |
| 1,800 | $7,830 – $19,800 |
| 1,900 | $8,270 – $20,900 |
| 2,000 | $8,700 – $22,000 |
| 2,500 | $11,000 – $27,500 |
| 3,000 | $13,050 – $33,000 |
Generally, the cost of replacing a roof can range anywhere from $4.35 to $11 per square foot, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The larger the size of the home and the steeper the roof pitch, the higher the cost will be. Additionally, the type of roofing material and any additional features, such as skylights, can all factor into the overall cost of the project. Taking the time to compare different materials and services to make sure you get the best possible value for the job will help you save money in the long run.
Fixing Any Plumbing Issues
To make sure your home is ready for sale, it’s important to address any plumbing problems before listing it. From fixing leaks and unblocking drains to inspecting the system for hidden issues, it pays to make sure that the plumbing is in proper working order. In the case of an older home, it’s a good idea to have the plumbing inspected to make sure that there are no unknown issues that could cause headaches further down the line. Taking the time to inspect and repair any plumbing problems will increase the appeal of your home and contribute to a successful sale.
HVAC
As a homeowner preparing to sell, it’s imperative to grasp the crucial role the heating and cooling system plays in the eyes of prospective buyers. After all, they want to purchase a home in which they don’t have to worry about replacing such a vital aspect of the property’s infrastructure.
If a full replacement of the HVAC unit is not within your financial reach, it’s crucial to ensure it’s functioning optimally. Potential buyers often expect a degree of assurance in the form of a warranty for the HVAC system, so ensuring its efficacy prior to closing on the sale of the home is of utmost importance.
However, if you opt for a replacement of the HVAC, be prepared for the cost involved. On average, the new unit and installation can range from $5,000 to $10,000, with the added expenses of removal and disposal of the previous system. It’s a financial investment, to be sure, but one that can pay dividends in the form of a smoother, more successful sale.
Minor repairs
Flooring
Compared to essential repairs like plumbing and electrical work, flooring is primarily a cosmetic or aesthetic improvement. It’s important to address any flooring repairs before listing your home, as it can have an impact on the overall look and appeal of the house. However, it’s not as critical as other types of repairs since it doesn’t directly affect the structural integrity or safety of the home.
Painting
Painting the interior of your home is an easy way to give it a makeover before listing it for sale. Choose neutral or earthy tones to help accentuate the natural light in your rooms. Depending on the size of the area and the type of paint you choose, expect to pay anywhere between $2 to $6 per square foot, or as much as $1,000 for a single room. Shopping around for materials and comparing prices can help you get the best deal while still achieving the look you want.
Should I make repairs myself?
Advantages
Making repairs prior to selling the home can help to make the home more saleable, as repairs could otherwise be a major deterrent for prospective buyers.
There are several advantages to make repairs. For starters making repairs to a home prior to selling it can increase the likelihood of selling it quickly, as prospective buyers will be more likely to find the home attractive and move-in ready.
It can also help increase the sale price of the home due to the repairs adding value to the property.
Making repairs prior to sale can make the home more appealing to buyers who are looking for a move-in ready option, as they won’t have to make repairs themselves.
Disadvantages
When it comes to doing home repairs, especially ones that take a lot of time, you’re going to want to take into consideration your opportunity cost.
Some disadvantages could be that making repairs prior to sale could require a homeowner to hire professional contractors to complete the work, which can be costly. You will need to find, vet and get quotes.
Making repairs prior to sale could add to the amount of time it takes to sell the home if the repairs take longer than expected or if any problems arise during the repair process.
Conclusion
Whether or not you want to making repairs to your home prior to selling it, is personal decision that should be based on the condition of the home and the budget of the individual homeowner. Making any type of repairs can be beneficial in that they can help to increase the sale price of the home and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. However, they can also be expensive and time-consuming, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.