Kitchen and Bathroom
The kitchen and bathroom have the most mechanical and plumbing problems, so it is best to check that they are in working order before putting your home on the market.Leaking Taps & Blocked Drains
Taps should be leak-free and water should flow freely through the drain without any blockages. This can be a quick fix depending on the issue at hand, otherwise it is advisable to hire a plumber to fix the root of the issue.
Cabinets
In both the kitchen and bathroom, the cabinets should be free from water damage and rot. Fix the hinges and drawer tracks if they are stopping cupboards or drawers from opening smoothly. These issues can usually be fixed with a screwdriver, but if your cupboards are severely damaged, then it may be worth replacing some or all of the units.Appliances
It is important that fitted appliances are in working order if they are being sold with the property. It may be worth replacing an appliance if it doesn’t work correctly or it is unsafe.Interior
Flooring
Whether you have tiled, laminate or carpeted flooring, it should be in good condition. It is worth deep-cleaning your floors, especially if you have pets and, depending on the type of flooring that you have, fix any issues before a prospective buyer notices it.Walls and Ceiling
Giving your walls a fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to uplift your property, and it can even help to increase the property value. Neutral paints are recommended when preparing your property for the housing market, these colours can make your space look bigger and help prospective buyers imagine themselves living in the property.Any scuffs or discolouration from water damage should be painted over, and small holes in the walls should be filled.
Heating System
Some buyers request that there you can provide a gas safety certificate and a certificate to say that your boiler has been serviced. Having these certificates on hand when selling your home will put buyers minds at ease and know that the property that they are buying is in good condition.Exterior
Garage Door
Whether you have an electric or a manual garage door, fix any issues that you have before putting your home on the market. An electric garage door can be a fantastic asset to your home, so don’t let it appear as a negative to prospective buyers by leaving issues that they will have to fix.Exterior Doors
Take a look at your exterior door and check that they have sufficient weather seals in place and the door handles are in good condition. Sliding doors should be properly aligned on the tracks and the glass should be code compliant.If your door is badly damaged or has dents, it is worth considering replacing the door completely.
Roof
The roof shouldn’t have any loose or missing roof tiles as it can lead to water damage in the home. It is important to check the roofing underlay to check that there is no damage that could also lead to a water leak.
Drainage
The drainage system is designed to carry water away from the property, when a blockage occurs it can lead to a build-up of standing water that causes issues to the roof. Most of the time, blockages can be a quick fix because it’s due to a combination of moss, leaves and debris that can build up in guttering.Foundation
Signs of an unstable foundation are cracks in interior or exterior walls, horizontal cracks in the foundation or sagging floors. If you have any concerns, it is important to seek a professional opinion from an expert in this area.Outside Space
Landscaping
Whether you have a love for gardening, or you prefer to keep it low maintenance, it’s worth keeping on top of your outside space if you’re planning to put your home on the market. You can hire a professional if you don’t fancy tackling it yourself, but tidying your garden up will make a huge difference for someone viewing your home.For a lot of buyers, the garden is a main attraction when it comes to finding their next property so trim those bushes back and pull the lawnmower out of the garage, because it could help prospective buyers envision themselves enjoying the outside space.
Fencing
Broken or rotting fencing should ideally be replaced or fixed before putting the house on the market if you can afford to. It may be that the fence just needs a fresh lick of paint, but doing so can enhance the kerb appeal of your property. Ready to sell? Give us a call on 028 9065 3333 to speak to our friendly and experienced team, or get in touch here. Alternatively, why not take a look at some of the properties we have on the market right now?