Phone: (845)228-1237
- MAKE MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS A number of maintenance improvements are relatively
easy and inexpensive to make, yet they can substantially
improve a home's appearance, efficiency,
and comfort. A professional home inspector may make helpful maintenance suggestions, such as:
·Trim trees and
shrubs which touch or overhang the house ·Apply new caulking and weather stripping
as needed around windows and doors ·Clean gutters of debris and leaves;
repair or replace cracked
or broken gutters, downspouts, and extensions to ensure proper drainage ·Replace bathroom caulk
or grouting where necessary to
prevent seepage and improve appearance ·Ventilate closed basements
and crawl spaces, or install a dehumidifier, to prevent excessive moisture build-up
·Regrade soil around
the foundation, as needed to keep water away from the house ·Replace dirty filters in the heating and
air conditioning systems ·Have the
heating and air conditioning systems professionally serviced
·Have chimneys professionally cleaned, and install chimney hoods or caps as needed
- PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS Fixing even minor items can go a long way toward improving that
important first impression of our home. Here are some typical
improvements which might be suggested
by the home inspector's findings: ·Repair leaky faucets ·Tighten loose doorknobs ·Replace damaged
screens ·Replace broken
panes of glass ·Replace burned-out light bulbs ·Secure loose railings ·Repair
and coat driveway ·Patch holes or cracks in walls and ceilings, then repaint
·Repair peeling wallpaper
- TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Home inspectors also pay attention to items relating to protecting
the home and its occupants from danger. They can alert
you to important safety precautions which
home buyers will appreciate, such as: ·Installing smoke detectors on each level ·Installing Ground
Fault
Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's) in "wet" areas, such as kitchen counters tops, bathrooms, and
exterior outlets ·Keeping flammable products away from
heaters, water heaters, and fireplaces
- MAKE COSMETIC IMPROVEMENTS An attractive, clean, and neat home will appeal to a buyer's
emotions. In addition to making repairs such as those listed
above, remember to: ·Keep the lawn mowed
and the house neat ·Clean the exterior walls and trim; repaint if necessary ·Open windows shades
and curtains to
create a bright, inviting atmosphere ·Keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean, since
buyers scrutinize these areas
- PREPARE FOR THE BUYER'S INSPECTION It's a good idea to assemble in advance various house records that can be used to answer questions from buyers and home inspectors.
