You can't deny that no matter how much a buyer likes the property you have in Alexandria, a home inspection that reveals problems with the property may turn off a buyer. Buyers from Alexandria are even allowed to walk away from the deal if they have a contingency clause in place.
A lot of sellers hope for a successful home inspection in Alexandria. One does not simply reveal issues with their home's major systems and physical structure. A lot of experts recommend that an inspection be performed before putting your home on the market.
“Hiring a licensed inspector to perform a pre-listing inspection may identify any surprise issues you don't know about which could delay your closing date or, worse, cause your buyer to walk away,”
says Taylor Willson, a licensed inspector at Willson Home Inspection in Tampa, FL.
If a pre-listing inspection is not in the cards, don't worry too much! These five key areas will help your chances in having a successful home inspection.
1. HVAC
For a good reason, inspectors in Alexandria will surely check the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system of the property.
“One of the most common concerns of home buyers is the HVAC," says Willson. If it's not working properly, an HVAC system can be very costly to repair or replace.
Richard Ciresi, owner of an HVAC company Aire Serv based in Louisville, KY, said that the average life span of an HVAC is about 15 years. If an HVAC system is older than 15 years, it should be replaced or repaired. When there are damages or performance issues with the HVAC system, it is strongly recommended that the HVAC system issue should be addressed immediately.
Signs that could mean the HVAC system needs repair or replacement include noticeable temperature differences, drafts, or stuffiness. A possible cause would either be one or more of the HVAC equipment, ductwork or insulation levels.
2. Electrical
If the lights in your property in Alexandria are flickering, it could indicate that there is something wrong with the electrical system, according to Don Russell, owner of Mr. Electric in Thornton, CO. Having flickering lights mean poor connection which will lead to sparking, overheating, or worst fire.
Russell says
your electrical to-do list should include having any outlets in the kitchen that are within 6 feet of water converted to ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets. "These outlets need to be outside, in bathrooms above sinks, and in the garage," he says.
Majority of older homes in Alexandria have two-pronged outlets which could be a safety hazard. A solution for this one is to have an electrician repair it. You should also make sure that the outside GFCI outlets have covers on them as this is a requirement by the government. It is a must that you should adhere to any updates in current code standards.
3. Roof
All roofing materials such as gutters, vents, and downspouts will be checked by home inspectors when they visit your property in Alexandria. These inspectors will also be taking a look into your roof's structure and the chimney. If your property has any signs of cracks or leaks, this will be very problematic.
If your roof is old, it is recommend that you have a professional thoroughly check it before your house gets inspected. Be sure to have it checked in advance in order for you to have time to do necessary repairs. “A small opening in a flashing or a portion of deteriorated caulk can be easily dealt with before turning into a leak—and once you have a leak, the inspector may be concerned that you have mold.”
4. Mold
Having molds in your property in Alexandria can be a deal breaker and could be a reason for a potential buyer to walk away. Consider to make an appointment with a mold inspector to take a look before your property gets officially inspected.
“Hiring a mold inspector in advance can help you identify and remove any dangerous mold, and bypass the extra costs associated with structural repairs of your home,”
says John Ward, account executive and mold remediation expert at Mold Busters.
5. Windows and Doors
Don't let those big-ticket items overshadow the simple home components that could prove problematic during a home inspection. A great example are your home's windows and doors.
J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman, says that home inspectors in Alexandria will be looking for defects and operability. Dust, debris, natural light near the bottom of the door, or feeling a draft are simple indicators of a leak. You should ensure that the caulking is in good repair. If it is necessary, add a weatherstripping and door sweeps to provide extra insulation.
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