With a little preparation you can prevent these common, DIY items from showing up on your home inspection report. Your home inspection and/or sale will go much smoother and save you time and frustration:
Burnt-out light bulbs
If an inspector finds a light not working they will need to determine if it's a larger electrical problem. Replacing any burnt out bulbs ahead of time will speed up the process and clarify the problem. Remember to check your closets and outside lights as well.
If an inspector finds a light not working they will need to determine if it's a larger electrical problem. Replacing any burnt out bulbs ahead of time will speed up the process and clarify the problem. Remember to check your closets and outside lights as well.
Loose toilets
Toilets are normally attached to the plumbing pipes with two bolts and a wax ring seal. When a toilet becomes loose, it can allow water to leak from the base of the toilet. If the toilet only has a slight wiggle, it may just need the bolts tightened. Take care not to tighten the bolts too much and crack the porcelain. If the toilet is seriously loose or leaking, you will need to replace the wax ring, which is an inexpensive and simple fix. Occasionally, the flange is damaged and needs replacement which is a more complicated process and may need to be handled by a professional.
Toilets are normally attached to the plumbing pipes with two bolts and a wax ring seal. When a toilet becomes loose, it can allow water to leak from the base of the toilet. If the toilet only has a slight wiggle, it may just need the bolts tightened. Take care not to tighten the bolts too much and crack the porcelain. If the toilet is seriously loose or leaking, you will need to replace the wax ring, which is an inexpensive and simple fix. Occasionally, the flange is damaged and needs replacement which is a more complicated process and may need to be handled by a professional.
Leaky exterior faucets
Many exterior faucets leak at the stem where the hose attaches. This is normally due to the packing not being tight enough around the stem. Many faucets have a packing nut which you can tighten without using much force. Take care not to use too much force, damaging the plumbing in the wall or turning the faucet.
Many exterior faucets leak at the stem where the hose attaches. This is normally due to the packing not being tight enough around the stem. Many faucets have a packing nut which you can tighten without using much force. Take care not to use too much force, damaging the plumbing in the wall or turning the faucet.
Dirty air filter
Air filters are normally located at an air return or in the furnace and are easily changed. Severely clogged filters don't allow proper air flow and can cause your system to not function properly. So remember to change them often.
Air filters are normally located at an air return or in the furnace and are easily changed. Severely clogged filters don't allow proper air flow and can cause your system to not function properly. So remember to change them often.
Faulty smoke alarms
It’s a good idea to check smoke alarms regularly, and replace batteries when needed. This can especially be an issue in homes that have been vacant prior to sale.
It’s a good idea to check smoke alarms regularly, and replace batteries when needed. This can especially be an issue in homes that have been vacant prior to sale.
If you are not comfortable making any of the above repairs, remember to hire a professional.
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