The Best Ways to Repair Issues Found During a Home Inspection
You’ve had a home inspection, spoke with the inspector to understand key components, and bought your new home. But what are you supposed to do about the issues the home inspector found?
Fix them of course!
Let’s look at how to prioritize your home inspection repairs and how to get it all fixed.
Prioritizing home inspection repairs
As you make a plan for home repairs, it’s important to address the most critical and potentially costly repairs first (think safety and major defects). And then work your way down the list.
Here’s how to rank your home inspection repairs:
First, repair immediate safety concerns that present imminent danger to you or your family.
Next, repair structural issues that impact the stability and safety of your home. Left unfixed, these issues will worsen over time and cause extensive & costly damage.
Then address any water intrusion or mold problems. Mold is a health concern, and water intrusion will cause costly damage.
Move on to major mechanical systems, like HVAC, electricity, and plumbing – all essential to the function of your home.
Next, look at the energy efficiency upgrades your home inspector suggested. These are typically not urgent. But improvements like adding more insulation or sealing air leaks can save you money on your utility bills.
Last, address non-urgent repairs, maintenance, and minor defects.
Should you DIY your home inspection repairs or hire a handyman to do it?
It all depends on the repair and your skill level.
Some home inspection repairs are simple enough for any homeowner to fix. But other repairs will need professional help and even specialized knowledge.
When to DIY:
Choosing when to DIY home repairs is based on what you know and are comfortable fixing.
If you decide to take on any home repairs, make sure you have the time and the right tools. And don’t forget to take safety precautions.
But most importantly, be sure you know your limits and when it’s time to hire a professional.
When to hire a handyman:
Depending on their skill level and knowledge, a handyman can handle a range of repairs your home inspection identified.
Here’s a list of possible repairs a handyman can do:
Minor plumbing repairs like fixing leaky faucets, repairing or replacing dripping pipes, unclogging drains, and installing new fixtures like faucets and showerheads.
Simple electrical repairs like troubleshooting non-functional outlets and electrical replacements like replacing light switches, outlets, and light fixtures.
Drywall repairs such as patching small holes, dents, & cracks, and creating a smooth & seamless finish.
Door and window repairs like fixing misaligned doors, replacing damaged door locks, and addressing issues with window hardware.
Exterior home repairs like replacing siding, replacing loose shingles, and sealing gaps & cracks to prevent moisture from getting in.
Gutter cleaning to maintain gutters and gutter repairs like leaks or loose connections.
Caulking bathtubs, showers, & windows and weatherproofing doors & windows for energy efficiency.
Fence and gate repairs like repairing broken or replacing missing fence panels or sagging gates.
Painting and painting touchups on walls, ceilings, trims, and other surfaces.
When to hire a specialized professional:
When your home inspection repairs are beyond your comfort level or the expertise of your handyman, it’s time to call in a specialist. These types of repairs can include electrical rewiring, major plumbing repairs, structural modifications, and complex HVAC issues.
Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. Taking care of home inspection repairs is one of them!
And you already have a lot on your plate with your new home – like getting all the boxes unpacked and your family settled.
Let Building Standard help take care of your home inspection repairs!
And you get back your time back to focus on finding the perfect spot for your potted plants. And the peace of mind knowing the leaky faucet in the bathroom will finally stop dripping.
Contact us today!
We service homes in the Tri-County area (Miami-Dade, Broward, & Palm Beach) and the Florida Keys.