Simple repairs can be tricky. Are you doing them yourself? Hiring a handyman or contractor, or hiring your yard guy to do construction jobs would be my first question and concern.

As I recently had my Realtor hat on during a route house inspection, we found numerous things that people need to be aware of. During this inspection we found that several things were not working or installed improperly. Well, the non-working items are one issue verses those installed improperly, so I would like to take these two areas and break them down. How can these affect you now and later?

Let’s take the selling of a home – the buyer will most likely hire an inspector to perform the inspection of the home they want to purchase. In this report, the inspector will point out all the items that are not working, or not up to code. For the items not working, as a realtor representing the buyer, you really want to make sure the seller will repair the items using quality people and performing the proper services. Too many times, a realtor will send over some one to handle all items for this sell. Or the seller will look for the cheapest way to resolve the items at hand since they are selling. This is not necessarily the right thing to do. Repairs might involve electrical, plumbing, and carpenter work. So would you want the electrical repairs preformed by the carpenter or worst yet, the seller? No, you want the right person to handle the area they specialize in. As the buyer, request the repairs be performed by a licensed / insured party. And ask for proof of repairs by getting a receipt.

Let’s look at the items not installed properly. Many times a home owner thinks they can save money and install that garbage disposal by themselves. Most home owners can do this. However, some can not. If the home owner decides to sell later, this item can come up on the inspection report and end up being a final negotiated item. It can even possible go as far as to stopping the sell of their home. So think about what you are doing when you try to save money by doing it yourself jobs.

Most home owners don’t know they will be selling in the near future and handle things themselves or allow a non licensed person to do the work for them. This might be fine now, but if the home owner decides to sell later, these items can come back to haunt them. My answer, why not just do the work right the first time? Why take a chance in trying to cut corners and save money that can cause problems later, or even be a potential danger? If you did hire a licensed, reputable trade to do all your work and there is a problem when you go to sell, chances are they will stand behind their work. Always get receipts and warranties for all work you perform whether you are going to sell or live in your home forever. Protect your investments and do things the correct way with the proper people in the jobs they specialize in. If you have questions, call someone that can help.

Call Debbie with Vallone Real Estate / Paragon C&D Builders at 713-818-6658.