Common Home Inspection Issues in Calgary

Selling your home can be quite the headache. The more attention to detail prior to putting it on the market, the better the sale process will go. The majority of buyers in today’s market will write a condition to have a home inspection done on the property before committing to buying. After a home inspection is done, if there are any issues, the buyers will in most cases ask you to fix, replace, or give a price reduction. If you can have issues taken care of before you sell your home, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and headache later. 

• Furnace- Getting a service done will let you know of any big issues that are bound to come up. These are not expensive (a few hundred dollars) but can often save you time and money when negotiating or making an effort to remove conditions.
• Hot Water Tank- Any leaks or repairs should be done beforehand. If there are any signs of water around the tank, people will often assume there is water damage which can ultimately deter the Buyers.
• Roof- If you roof needs to be redone, it may be easier for you to just factor this into your list price, as it can be a bigger expense out of pocket. Just make sure any leaks are fixed. However, be prepared to answer any questions people may have about the roofs performance in various weather conditions.
• Appliances- Making sure there are no leaks, and they are all in working order. There is a lot of perceived value associated with appliances, especially if stainless steel, so it is crucial to ensure there are no problems and that they are cleaned before listing.
• Windows- You don’t need to replace all your old windows, but the ones with seals broken should be fixed/replaced. Buyers are educated enough to undertand the cost associated with replacing windows, and if they are not in need of replacing, ensure that you have them sealed properly so that they perform well during the inspection.
• Plumbing- Make sure all your facets, toilets, and sink drain pipes are not leaking. These are often times quick and easy fixes, but the perception that these leaks can give buyers is that the home is not well taken care of, which can ultimately hurt the value.
• Permits- Basement developments, decks, and garages all need permits. Have this paperwork ready for any asking buyers. This is also associated with the Real Property Report, or RPR, which will be required at he time of Title transfer. 

Saving these receipts will give you an upper hand during negotiations, and it’s exciting for buyers to know that they won’t have any repairs to do. Making sure your home is in top shape before you put it on the market will ensure you get top dollar! If you have any questions about what else your home needs before you sell, give us a shout and we’ll be happy to help!

If you have any questions about home inspections, or who we recommend, please contact:

Cole Porter

(403) 992-5445