Home Improvements and winter maintenance, especially when the temperature is below freezing, to prepare for your open house can be daunting, but with this quick flip guide and professional tips, you’ll have an edge over your competition.
If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market assess its condition and make home improvements and repairs while supplies cost are low and contractors are looking for work before listing.
Cracked drywall, stained carpets, burned-out light bulbs, leaky faucets, running toilets, dirty furnace filters, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors batteries replacements are simple repairs that won’t break the bank, but left un-repaired, could impact offers.
Clear the clutter out the basement, storage rooms, closets, and those catch-all areas. By cleaning out these areas you can see if there are any potential issues like water damage, electrical issues, or pest infestation.
Sell Your Home For Bigger Bucks With A Home Inspection
It’s important to remember that Home Inspections are a major factor in selling your house faster, and for a higher return.
First and foremost, hire an expert Home Inspector and get a professional report so you can address any important repairs or improvements with the home before you put it up for sale on the real estate market. As regulations become more stringent, lenders may not provide financing on a new mortgage without a professional Home Inspection. Foundation Property Inspection is the preferred choice of real estate agents and home buyers and sellers throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Here’s a list of FPI’s credentials.
Home Improvements & Noted Home Repairs
By addressing the recommended repairs noted on the Home Inspection report and looking after your winter maintenance, you can make the selling process run smoothly and help ensure that your property is viewed in the best light possible.
Prepare To Sell Higher By Making wintertime Home Improvements
Furnace Winter Maintenance
If you notice any of the following signs, or if the heating system was highlighted in the Home Inspection report, it’s time to call in an HVAC professional: if your furnace is making unusual noises or performing lowers at its peak efficiency; detects odd smells coming from the inside unit (even during use); feels cool enough for comfort but not too warm.
Along with professionally servicing the HVAC unit, change the filter in your heating system to keep it running efficiently. Maintaining a healthy environment is important for you, as well as protentional buyers that are living with allergies and other respiratory problems that can arise from dirty air filters, pet odors, or smoking within our homes!
Replace The Refrigerator's Water Filter To Remove Impurities
Change out any old refrigerator water filter every 6 months; this will help prevent lead respiratory ailments like asthma attacks due to dangerous toxins found within these types of environments. Lead in drinking water has been linked to significantly higher rates of childhood developmental delays/ disabilities.
Cold Weather Exterior Home Improvements
As we experience cold weather, many roofs will develop icicles and frozen rainwater runs down into our typically open-ended drainage systems where it can cause damage or even worse – a leak! Make sure there are no blockages in order to protect against any potential issues with pipes bursting due to too heavy snowfall. The best time of year (or really any) to take care of your home’s exterior elements is before the snow begins to fly. Here’s the best way to winterize your home.
How To Prevent Ice Dams In Gutters?
Gutters and downspouts are an important part of your roof’s integrity. Foundation Property inspectors recommend that you flush away asphalt pebbles, leaves, or debris before winter.
Check Your Gutters For Ice Buildup During The Winter
As you might have noticed, as ice builds up on the surface it becomes increasingly difficult for water to flow freely down and away from our homes’ roofs in freezing conditions like we’re experiencing now across much of Southwestern PA! Froze ice is heavy and can collapse your gutters and pull down the soffit. Falling icicles can crack your siding and smash your windows.
How To Melt Ice Dams On The Roof, Inside The Gutters & Downspouts
Of course, there are many ways to get rid of an ice dam. One way is by using hot water and running it over the surface so that melting takes place from below. As the ice melts, water can seep between the shingles and cause serious water damage to your roof. A better option may be installing heat cables on your roof during summertime when they’re needed most–they’ll help melt away any remaining iced-over areas quickly!
Should You Knock Icicles Off Your Gutters?
Most home improvement experts recommend that you leave icicles alone if possible. If not, be sure to knock them down with caution and never stand under any falling pieces of ice!
Do Icicles Mean Poor Insulation?
Icicles mean you’re losing heat and it could also be because there’s no ventilation in your attic. The icicles will show where the escaping energy is coming from, which can then help you identify and attack this problem.
How To Get Rid Of Hard Ice Around My House?
Salt won’t damage your gravel or asphalt driveway and it’s environmentally friendly! With the most expensive type being calcium magnesium acetate, you can be sure that this will not only get rid of any ice. Another great thing about using these salt crystals on your driveway is that they’re pet-friendly too – so even if we have four-legged friends who love to jump around while they wait for their turn outside (or just like playing fetch), there are no worries.
Sodium chloride or rock salt is the safest de-icer for concrete sidewalks and driveways.
Use Washer Fluid On Frozen Exterior Windows
If you’re looking to get hard ice off your exterior windows, apply a two-to-one mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. And then wipe away the melted ice with a splash from your windshield washer fluid. You can also add a drop or two of dish soap to the mix.
Do Contractors Charge Less For Home Improvements In Winter?
Typically, winter is the off-season for contractors, so you may be able to snag lower rates. You’ll find better deals on materials and because it’s a less busy time of year for renovations; securing permit approval will take much less time as well!
Picture Perfect Home For Sale
Typically, winter is the off-season for contractors, so you may be able to snag lower rates. You’ll find better deals on materials and because it’s a less busy time of year for renovations; securing permit approval will take much less time as well!
Home Improvements, & Winter Repairs Can Help Sell Your Home For More
A Home Inspection by Foundations Property Inspection and timing of your sale is as important as the real estate agent you choose. Take advantage of a pre-listing Home Inspection and take care of the Home Improvements and winter maintenance, so first-time buyers can fall in love with your picture-perfect home.
