Top Ten Most Frequent Repairs
Note: My Listing Service includes a home inspection by The
Home Team prior to listing your home on the market. This is a free
service to you, the Seller, and provides us with a valuable marketing tool
for potential Buyers. It also serves to protect us from surprises once we
have an offer from a qualified Buyer.
1. Missing GFCI's
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These are the electrical
outlets with the reset buttons on them designed to "trip" when
shorted rather than delivering an electric shock. They are normally
required in Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and any other area where it is
likely that water will be present. Only the first outlet in a circuit has
to be protected. GFCI outlets can be purchased at any hardware store for
under $10 each.
2. Furnace Maintenance
Most gas forced air systems that have not been serviced within the past
year will probably require inspection & cleaning, including the heat
exchanger. Most heating companies will perform the inspection for
$50-$100, plus any repairs required.
3. Missing Earthquake Straps on the Water Heater
Municipal code requires 2 seismic restraints on your water heater. A kit
can be purchased at any hardware store for $10-$20.
4. Window in Bedroom or Basement does not meet Egress Requirements
Current building codes require that bedroom windows have an unobstructed
operable opening of at least 821 square inches. Additionally, the base of
the window cannot be more than 44 inches from the floor or an approved
step. Click
Here for more information. Cost to repair will depend on your level of
ability.
5. Moisture Damage in Bathrooms
Missing or damaged caulk allows moisture to seep behind tile or fiberglass
panels. Check to ensure that all caulked areas are free of cracks or
breakage. Additionally, check to ensure that water has not penetrated the
areas between the tub or shower pan and the floor. Cost to repair will
depend on your level of ability.
6. Damaged or Missing Sheetrock Affecting Integrity of Fire Barriers
Common areas are garage walls and closets under stairways. Must be
sheetrocked and fire taped. Cost to repair will depend on your level of
ability.
7. Water in Crawl Space Area
This is often due to improper drainage along the foundation. Check to make
sure that the earth around your home slopes away from the foundation, and
that all downspouts for rain gutters have adequate splash blocks at the
base. Cost to repair will depend on your level of ability, and may require
a sump pump to be installed in the affected area.
8. Damage to the Roof
Missing shingles due to high winds are common in Alaska, and should be
replaced as soon as possible. A qualified inspector should make an
estimate as to the useful life remaining in your roof.
9. Exterior Paint Deterioration
This is particularly common where T1-11 siding is present. Any areas of
siding or trim with exposed wood showing through the paint should be
touched up. Cost should be under $20.
10. Garage Door is not Adjusted Properly
As a safety feature, automatic garage door openers are equipped with an
auto-reverse feature that causes the door to reopen after striking an
object while closing. If your door does not reverse within 2 seconds of
being stopped, it will require an adjustment. Refer to your owners
manual... most of the time a few turns with a screwdriver will do the
trick.
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