#1 Fixing Minor Drywall Damage
One of the first things buyers notice is the condition of your walls. Small drywall issues like nail pops, cracks, dents, and holes happen over time — but they can make a home look poorly maintained. Minor drywall repairs are one of the most affordable ways to make your home look move-in ready and impact offers, inspections, and time on market.
- Patch nail holes after removing pictures and artwork and touch-up paint
- Repair cracks and dents
- Smooth walls before painting
- Fix water damaged drywall
Why it matters: Fresh, clean walls photograph better for your listing and signal good upkeep.
#2 Fresh Interior Paint specifically Neutral Colors
Nothing says move-in ready more than fresh paint. Repainting rooms is one of the most cost-effective pre-sale improvements and it has one of the biggest impacts. We recently worked with a Farmington Hills owner and their realtor to get their home ready to list and painting was at the top of the list to get the house ready to list. It is important to note that using a common paint color on adjacent rooms creates an illusion of greater space.
- Touch-up paint on scuffed walls
- Patch and paint over picture hanger holes
- Use Neutral colors for broad buyer appeal
- Pay particular attention to door trim and baseboard repainting
Why it matters: Buyers want a move-in-ready feel.
#3 Repairing Doors and Hardware
Doors and hardware are some of the most used items in our homes, so they take a lot of wear. And, it may only take a simple adjustment to fix.
- Are your kitchen cabinets out of alignment or hinges need adjusting?
- Is your bathroom door sticking and difficult to open?
- Do your bifold doors need adjustment to open smoothly?
- Does your entry door open easily?
- Are any doorknobs loose or have come off?
Why it matters: Small functional issues like a sticking door can suggest bigger problems and put your buyer on alert to look for more things wrong.
#4 Update Light Fixtures and Switches
Outdated or non-working lighting instantly dates a home. First make sure all lightbulbs and lights are working in your interior and on your exterior. Check that all switches and outlets are working. Changing out a bathroom or kitchen light can immediately update your kitchen or bath. Brighter has the effect of making a room feel larger and warmer and creates a positive feeling for buyers looking at your home. Remember to assess your exterior lights; clean them and make sure are bulbs are working. Ace Handyman is able to replace existing fixtures.
- Replace old fixtures
- Repair non-working switches and outlets
- Install brighter, energy-efficient lighting
Why it matters: Good lighting makes rooms feel larger and more welcoming.
#5 Address Plumbing Issues
Buyers and inspectors look closely at plumbing. Remove buyers worries and concerns by addressing any plumbing issues before they request them be fixed or a home inspector detects them as concerns. Some examples of what catches buyers and home inspectors attention are dripping faucets or outdated faucets and running toilets. Also, take a look under your sinks and check for signs of water damage.
- Fix leaky faucets and sprayers
- Repair running toilets
- Replace worn supply lines
- Repair or replace garbage disposals
Why it matters: Be proactive and prevent inspection issues and water damage concerns.
#6 Kitchen and Bathroom Repairs
Kitchens and baths heavily influence buyer decisions and smart fixes in these rooms go a long way to get your home ready to sell. Smart fixes can make big impact. Kitchens and baths are two of the hardest working rooms in your home. Look for signs of wear and tear or anything not working. The kitchen faucet and sink is a focal point of any kitchen. A new faucet can be installed in 1 to 1 1/2 hours and is a quick update. Repair or tighten any loose hinges or drawers. Refreshing caulk on your sink, tub and shower instantly gives a clean look to your kitchen and bath and makes a good impression on prospective buyers.
- Re-caulk tubs and showers
- Repair loose cabinet doors or drawers
- Replace outdated faucets or hardware
Why it matters: Kitchens and baths heavily influence buyer decisions and buyers prefer move-in ready homes.
#7 Flooring and Tile Repairs
Worn or damaged floors can lower perceived value. When buyers see work that translates into dollar signs for them. Simple fixes can improve the look of your floors. Wood and luxury vinyl tile flooring can be rejuvenated with wood cleaner and restorer. Pay particular attention to transitions between rooms. Clean your carpets for their best appearance. Consider removing worn carpets If there is hardwood flooring underneath and show it off. Recently, we helped a customer paint their cement floor in their basement laundry area to improve the overall look and appeal of the area to get the house ready to sell.
- Clean, restore and repair floors with wood restorer
- Replace broken tiles
- Clean carpets
- Remove worn carpet especially if hardwood exists underneath
- Paint basement flooring
Why it matters: Buyers notice floors immediately when walking through a home.
#8 Exterior Touch-Ups and Curb Appeal Repairs
First impressions matter. Take a step back and walk up to your front entrance as if you are seeing it for the first time and notice what you may be overlooking or never see because you more frequently use your garage entry. The paint or stain on your front door may be more sun-faded than you realize. Realtors often recommend a fresh coat of paint at the entrance because this first impression is so important. Pay particular attention to any railings, trim or siding that may be loose and require tightening.
- Repair loose railings or steps
- Fix damaged trim or siding
- Power wash walkways and siding
- Clean, paint or stain your entry door with a fresh coat of paint or stain
- Clean your storm door and light fixtures sparkly and sweep all debris away
Why it matters: Curb appeal sets expectations before buyers even walk inside and is one of the best ways to get your home ready to sell. Never underestimate the power of cleanliness. When prospective buyers see a clean, well-kept entrance they think less work for them!
#9 Fixing Windows and Screens
Any broken or inoperable items will not pass your house inspection. Interested buyers want to know that everything is in perfect working order. Examples of these repairs are replacing broken window cranks and re-screening torn screens. These repairs apply to homes for sale as well as rentals which are also subject to home inspections. Last Fall, we helped a landlord replace all the screens for a rental unit to prepare it for his next tenant. Here's a fuller list of typical window and screen repairs often needed to get your home ready to list:
- Fix or replace window handles that won’t open or lock
- Repair Broken windows.
- Repair or replace damaged screens
- Replace cracked glass
Why these repairs matter: Repairing windows and screens Improves safety since windows are egresses in case of fire, functionality, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and is required to pass your home inspection.
#10 Safety and Code Repairs
While this ranked #10, it really should be at the top of any list.
These are must-fix items for most buyers and lenders and will be needed for home inspections, such as.
- Install or replace smoke detectors for fire safety; Note: most have a ten-year life
- Secure or add handrails and stair railings to prevent falls
- Fix loose steps or trip hazards to prevent falls
Why it matters: Reduces buyer objections and liability concerns.
Ace Handyman Services Bloomfield can help take the stress out of getting your house ready to sell. 248-409-4989
It is not too soon to start getting your home prepped and ready to sell. Ace Handyman will work with you and your realtor to:
- prioritize projects to complete
- get them scheduled quickly, and
- get them done right the first time, on time.