We constantly discover avoidable issues that every homeowner should know about, regardless if they are selling or buying. These are issues that ruin weekends and cause middle-of-the-night calls to your favorite tradesmen. Most can be fixed by the homeowner themselves, relatively low-cost.
Washing Machine Supply Hoses: I see this nearly every day and this summer I've found basic rubber supply hoses that are mid-burst (see above). While basic hoses they are "reinforced" with steel webbing, they are not as strong as braided lines. Braided lines have a silver steel surface that is much more durable. All washing machine lines are under CONSTANT pressure 24/7/365, waiting patiently for the washing machine to need water. Replace them today for about $30 at any hardware store and avoid a flooded basement after a long day at work...
Loose Toilets: Walk around to each bathroom in your home and GENTLY plant your foot by the toilet base and push the bowl with your calf. It should not move...at all. If it does, you need to tighten the base. Two bolts secure the toilet to the floor. Using a wrench, do 1/4 turns and continue to test until it no longer moves. If too tight, the toilet base could crack. A leaking toilet is a nightmare (for obvious reasons) that must be avoided.
Furnace Servicing: It doesn't matter what time of year it is, many furnaces are responsible for the home's heat AND hot water. An annual service cleans the system, replaces filters, and reviews the supply lines for potential leaks. I find leaks, corrosion, safety concerns, and faulty zones nearly every day. Even new furnaces need an annual service. They should last 25 years if maintained properly. $250-$300 per year is a small price to pay for confidence in such an important part of your home.
Wet Basements: Dehumidifying basements will help in a few different ways. They reduce mold as moisture is a key ingredient to mold growth on fabric, paper, carpet, cardboard, wood, and wallboard. They also reduce condensation on water supply lines that drip on your personal items. Set it at 50% and keep it empty.
Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarms: Having one isn't enough.
Where is it? You need one near any and all fuel-burning appliances (furnace, gas cooktops, gas fireplaces, etc.) and one on every floor.
How old is it? All should be less than 10 years old as they break down.
Why is it beeping? THROW. IT. AWAY. It's life is over.
Please take our advice. We do. This will save you headaches and cost you very little.
Thanks for reading,
Matt and Matt
207-841-7699