Although many homeowners forego essential home repairs, they can dramatically increase your home’s value—some by up to $10,000.
From damaged roof repairs to appliance repairs, there are many measures you can take now to harness the benefits of more significant home equity.
If you’re getting your home ready to sell, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs to ensure that you appeal to prospective buyers. A 2020 National Association of Realtors (NAR) study maintains that most mortgage lenders won’t back a home that needs many repairs upon inspection, which could deter potential buyers.
Alternatively, you can contact cash home buyers in Minnesota to find out how you can sell your home as is.
Read on to learn more about the seven most common home repairs you can make to increase your home’s value.
Common Home Repairs to Make
If you’re looking for repairs that add value to your home, you’ve come to the right place.
Many think q repairs and renovations add value to your home. Unfortunately, that isn’t true. Only some home repairs and DIY projects improve your home equity. Having a clear picture of the benefits you stand to gain from doing so is essential.
If you’re selling your home, consider which repairs to undertake. Your real estate agent will likely offer up some directives. Still, the general rule of thumb is, to begin with easy, accessible, and obvious projects—like fixing cracks in your foundation or caulking.
Then, you can move on to bigger and better things.
The best home repairs to make include:
- Damaged roof repairs
- Foundation crack repairs
- Window repairs
- Bathroom and kitchen repairs
- Appliance repairs
- Outdoor area repairs
- Renovations and remodels (with a caveat!)
Read on to learn more about each type of repair—and how to ensure you don’t lose money.
Damaged Roof Repairs
Repairing a damaged roof is the best place to start.
Begin by undertaking essential home maintenance; clear clogs in your gutters, check for water damage, and inspect your roof for missing shingles. Do this regularly to ensure you notice apparent issues.
If you have leaking in your roof, it can lead to water damage throughout your home. You can fix leaks with a primer or adhesive patch from Home Depot. You can also replace parts of your roof to prevent further damage.
Then, replace shingles as necessary. Missing shingles can allow moisture to penetrate your home, causing problems over the long run.
If you don’t have the know-how to replace shingles alone, put a tarp over your broken shingles and hire someone to help you.
Foundation Crack Repairs
Foundation cracks may look small, but they can lead to several problems. Cracks in your foundation can allow for insect infestations, water damage, and other issues. A break in your foundation can compromise the integrity of your home.
There are many ways to tell if your foundation could be better. Look for scrapes, cracks, or any apparent damage first. You can also look for insects or radon gas in your home.
Fixing foundation cracks is imperative to do before you sell a home. You can repair cracks quickly with an epoxy sealant or putty from a Home Depot or your local hardware store. You must block out the injection ports with studs, mix the sealant, and inject the epoxy into the crack.
Window Repairs
Your windows are foundational to the integrity and aesthetic of your home. Windows also contribute to energy efficiency, bringing your HVAC costs down.
For this reason, home window repairs are crucial—and DIY options are relatively easy to implement.
To determine if you need a window repair, look for the following:
- Water leaks
- Warped or damaged frames or seals
- Drafts
- Foggy or clouded glass
- Cracked or broken glass
- Difficulty opening or closing your window
You can fix most of these problems with a glass repair kit. However, consider hiring a professional if your window needs a whole replacement.
Bathroom and Kitchen Repairs
The average cost of bathroom and kitchen repairs can be relatively high—but with the right DIY solutions, you can save money on your repairs and do them correctly.
When it comes to your bathroom and kitchen, you’ll want to begin with a deep cleaning. Use bleach and hot water to clean your bathroom and kitchen in preparation for buyers thoroughly. Remove any soap buildup with a unique cleaning solution. If you want to forego a cleaning, you can contact cash home buyers—we buy houses in Minneapolis.
If you want to go at it anyway, proceed by fixing any leaky faucets or damaged appliances like toilets, garbage disposals, washers, and more. Use a plunger to unclog the toilet and any clogged drains. Call a plumber to undertake any specific appliance repairs you can’t do alone.
Then, you should replace any cracks in the drywall—in your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else in your home.
You can also replace or add a backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom using grout and standard tools at your local hardware store.
Lastly, ensure that your utilities are in working order. If you need to, replace your water heater, for example, since it should be in good working order in time for you to sell the home.
Appliance and Utility Repairs
When selling a home, it’s essential to undertake any appliance and utilities-related repairs early on. Doing so will allow you to complete what you can and outsource the rest of the work to a handyperson or professional who can take over.
Begin by ensuring that your electrical system works. You can replace outlets yourself, but you might need an electrician if you need to do anything more severe than that.
Then, consider upgrading your HVAC system to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Replace filters in your air conditioning and clean and unclog your heaters to ensure full functionality. You may need a professional to do anything more demanding than this, so have your favorite handyman on call.
Consider replacing lightbulbs or upgrading your lighting fixtures to improve the look and feel of your home.
Anything more complex than this will likely require the help of a professional, so keep this in mind before you get started.
Outdoor Area Repairs
Curb appeal matters when it comes to selling a house. The outdoor area of your home is the first part of your property that prospective buyers will see, so maximizing your curb appeal is crucial.
There are many exterior home repairs that you can undertake.
First, consider painting the exterior of your home in more modern colors. Many home exteriors are outdated, and a fresh coat of paint can dramatically increase the aesthetic appeal of your property.
Then, consider undertaking some landscaping to fix patchy areas in your grass. You can plant trees to provide shade and minimize your electricity costs or start a garden to give your property a more homey feel.
After that, consider fixing any sidewalk, garage, or driveway cracks. Use the same method to repair cracks in your foundation—with epoxy or a powerful sealant to prevent moisture from causing further damage.
If you have a garage or carport, consider replacing your garage door if it is damaged. Additionally, ensure you clean out the garage—most people’s garages tend to fill up quickly.
Lastly, make any necessary repairs on your porch or deck. You can replace loose boards, add a fresh coat of paint, or even add a deck if you feel inspired.
Renovations and Remodels
Remodels can significantly add value to your home but also detract from your profits. For this reason, it’s essential to proceed with caution regarding renovations and remodels.
If you want to sell a house fast in Maple Grove, you can forego renovations and contact cash home buyers instead.
When contemplating renovations and remodels, it’s best, to begin with DIY home improvements. Start by adding a backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom, for example, or replace the outlets to refresh the look of your home. To refresh your property’s look, you can start by upgrading items like toilets, sinks, and other much-used furnishings around your home.
Consider looking for inspirational pictures on websites like Shutterstock—or ask your friends what would look best in your home.
Keep in mind that while repairs are necessary, renovations are entirely optional. And since they don’t always increase your home value, you may want to forego them for now.
Final Thoughts
Making home repairs is the first step to making a sale.
Use this list of the seven most common home repairs to determine which you need to implement on your property.
Remember to start small and work your way up, and consult a real estate agent if you’re on the fence about making extensive repairs. As always, have a professional on call to take over when DIY just isn’t enough.
Happy renovating!