Top 10 Things I Hear From Home Inspectors
If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, you'll have to go through a home inspection sooner or later. Home Inspections can be a bit nerve-wracking when you don't know what to expect. So to help you along, I’m going to share the top 10 things I most often hear from home inspectors as a 100 Mile House Realtor. Let’s jump in!
Lack of proper venting in the roof: Vents or fans exiting in the attic instead of outside can be a cause for concern. Humid air in the attic = mold = bad times. Get that vent routed outside the house. And do it before you do any blow in insulation. It will make your life a lot easier!
Not enough insulation: We often see a rating of R20 up in attics. But today’s standard for the Cariboo is more like R50-R60. People love it when there’s good insulation in the attic coz that means lower heating and cooling bills. Win win!
No gutters or downpipes: Where does all that water and snow end up when it slides off your roof? Right at the foundation of the house. Gutters and downpipes help keep water away from your foundation. This prevents any unnecessary shifting, settling, cracking or leaking.
Grade of the land near the house: You want any water to flow away from the house instead of towards it. Water + Foundation = Sadness. Basic math :)
Lack of smoke or C02 detectors: Easy fix! Make sure these are in for your safety too.
Plumbing that needs updating: There is a type of old Poly-B plumbing that tends to leak. Insurance companies are not a fan, so it will be an issue if you’ve got some. Make sure to chat to a plumber and see what you can do to upgrade the essentials.
Old furnace and hot water tank: Quite often buyers are told they can run an old furnace for as long as it will last. Old hot water tanks, on the other hand, can limit your ability to get insurance. Insurance companies usually want them replaced if they are over 10-15 years old. So if you’ve got an ancient one on your hands, think about replacing it. It’s a great incentive for buyers!
Electrical bits and bobs: For starters, you want to see copper wiring in your house. If you've got aluminum wiring, insurance companies will likely want it updated. Also, do you have enough amps coming in to cover everything electrical on your property? Lastly, electrical outlets near sinks or outside need to be GFCI protected.
Old Windows or broken window seals: This is a pricier fix! If you've got old windows, though, your furnace has to work overtime to compensate for your drafty home. You're sure to notice an increase in your energy bill. Instead of pouring wasted money down the drain, invest in new windows. Your buyer will see big savings on their energy bills.
Wood stoves or fireplaces: Are your wood stoves or fireplaces WETT inspected? Get these inspections done and keep them in your file. They will be needed for insurance!
There are endless other things that could come up in a home inspection, but these ones tend to be quite common. Of course, today's advice is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Which brings me to my last tip!
Consider getting a home inspection done yourself when you list. It's a great incentive for buyers as it can save them from spending extra money. Plus, letting them know what’s what with your house right off the bat should make for a much stronger offer. For more tips on how to sell your home, get in touch with me, Sallee Duntin, your 100 Mile House Realtor. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
About Sallee
I was born in the Yukon, brought up in BC and Alberta and lived in Australia, New Zealand and England. Even though the places and scenery have changed over the years, one thing has always stayed the same. Home is where your heart is. Putting a price tag on something as personal as a home can feel overwhelming. That's why for me as a REALTOR®, selling houses is much more than numbers. It's about people. Wherever you are in the world, in life or on your journey with real estate, these relationships matter.