When it comes to requesting repairs, you should typically only expect major things to be fixed. Items that will have an adverse effect on your enjoyment of the home. You don’t want to be too demanding and lose out on the house.
You are not creating a massive punch list of items to fix before move-in. Cosmetic fixes of any sort should be left alone. However, there are certain fixes your lender might require before releasing the funds.
After the Home Inspection in Decatur: What to Fix and What to Forget
Typically, you should expect/ask for the following to be covered…
Structural Issues – This includes cracks in the foundation and other things that can turn into much larger problems. Some settling is common and can be seen in small cracks around doors and windows. However, if the doors are all misaligned and there are significant cracks throughout, it might be a sign of a bigger issue.
Code Violations – A licensed home inspector does not enforce the code, nor are they required to stay up to date on the continuously changing rules. However, they can determine if there is a safety concern. You should also be suspicious if the county lists a home with say 3 bedrooms, but when you view the house, there is 4. This likely means the proper permits were not pulled during construction.
Electric – Electricity is a requirement to live in the house. If there are any electrical problems, they should be resolved before the sale is final.
AC/Heat – Air Conditioning and heat is another major necessity (especially in certain climates!) And issues with the functionality should be addressed and taken care of.
Plumbing – This is another biggie that the seller should take care of before move-in. Plumbing problems can lead to much greater damage down the road.
Pests – Any termite, rodent or other pest problem should be taken care of before moving in. Most reasonable sellers will agree to this!
And these should be left alone…
Cosmetic Flaws – While a good seller will take care of paint, carpets and a missing baseboard, you can’t expect a seller to fix these things after the house has been put on the market. These items will fall on the seller to fix.
Anything Less Than $100 – It would be great to move into a perfect house, but unless you are buying new, that will rarely be the case. Know this before you buy. You should be prepared to take care of small repairs on your own. Asking for these things to be fixed will only make you appear high-maintenance and might cause the seller to look at the next offer.
Other Small Repairs – Don’t assume that because a light switch isn’t working that the electrical system has gone bad. Often times, these things are easily repaired. Your inspector will let you know if you should be worried about a larger problem.
Yard Maintenance – The yard will typically be sold “as-is.” Unless there is a major safety concern, (like a massive hole in the front yard,) you can’t expect any cleaning or outdoor upgrades to be done by the seller.
When negotiating repairs after the home inspection, the process will be “give and take.” You cannot expect a seller to fix every detail nor should you buy a house with major structural problems. Have the seller fix the big stuff, but take care of smaller things on your own!