Your house is most likely one of the largest investments you will ever make, so it's crucial to take care of it and safeguard your investment. It may be tempting to put off repairs in the hopes of saving money until you're ready to sell, but doing so might backfire if the damage becomes irreparable in the meanwhile. The greatest way to receive top dollar when you’re ready to sell is to maintain your property on a continuous basis and make any necessary repairs along the way.

Here are some of the most common problems we see inside homes and the best ways to prevent (or fix) them so they don't impact your home's value.

Smoking Damage

The harm from cigarette smoke and the nicotine it leaves behind is worse the longer the smoke has been present in the property. This is one of the most destructive problem we encounter inside properties as the scent permeates the entire home, leaving behind a pungent and overbearing odour. No one wants to buy a house that stinks of cigarettes.

How to prevent/fix this:

• Give the whole house a full and in-depth clean, but don't try to do it yourself! Instead, hire cleaners that specialise in this kind of work and leave it to the professionals.
• Majority of the time the walls need to be repainted because it’s extremely hard to get nicotine out once it’s absorbed into the paint and plaster.
• All of the soft furnishings in the home should be replaced. Every piece of fixed fabric, including curtains and pelmets. All of them must either be removed, cleaned, and then reinstalled, or they must be replaced.
• Light fixtures and carpets absorb tobacco smoke and nicotine residue like sponges! There isn’t enough cleaning in the world to remove this smell so you’ll need to replace these.
• The most effective step you can take to prevent this issue completely is to encourage people who smoke to do so outside.

Mould Damage

Even the most exquisite home in the world won't attract buyers if there’s mould in the home. Not only is mould damage ugly, but there's a good chance that there is a bigger problem and additional mould is present underneath the surface, which is a major turnoff.

How to prevent/fix this:

• Dry wet areas quickly! You should avoid keeping damp sections of your home for an extended period of time, dry the shower walls after each usage, and hang wet laundry from the washer as soon as you can. It’s essential to get them cleaned up right away if there has been a spill on the carpet or a leak from heavy rain - mould can quickly grow and spread.
• Avoid aggressive cleaning chemicals like chlorine bleach since they destroy surface mould and generate harmful odours. Vinegar, a biodegradable natural mould growth inhibitor, may be used undiluted to clean most surfaces and is nontoxic.
• Keep your windows open when showering, cooking, or doing laundry. This reduces room dampness, preventing mould formation.

Neglecting Maintenance

Deferred or neglected maintenance is the fastest way to watch your house depreciate. If you cut corners on maintenance or put off fixing problems like a leaking roof or broken windows for too long, this can lead to more serious structural concerns.

How to prevent/fix this:

• Clean out the gutters on your home twice a year. Your home's gutters direct the flow of rainfall away from the structure, which helps to preserve the roof, siding, and foundation.
• Maintain regular paint inspections. In addition to looking good, exterior paint shields your shingles against decay and water damage. Look for paint that is starting to peel or chip. You may need a fresh coat or a touch-up.
• For homes with central heat and air, you'll need to call an HVAC technician to schedule a check-up and service every other year. A technician should look for signs of damage in the ductwork and clean and repair the furnace and air conditioner compressor.
• Give your pipes a good once-over every year. Get your local plumber out to check under sinks to make sure there are no signs of leaks.

Shoddy Renovations

Poorly done or improperly constructed home modifications can significantly lower your home’s resale value. Besides leading to cosmetic flaws, subpar renovations may lead to other difficulties such as legal and safety risks. It's important to spend money on high-quality materials and work, and to make sure that all of your plans follow local building codes and that plans are approved by your local council.

How to prevent/fix this:

• If the renovations are new, your first step should be to read your contract with the builder, particularly the clauses relating to remediating defective work and see if they can rectify the issue.
• Address any safety hazards immediately, such as improperly installed electrical wiring or structural issues.
• Hire a professional contractor to correct any poorly done work and bring the renovations up to code.

When it comes to keeping your house in good shape, consistency is key. If you take care of your house, selling it will be quick and simple and won't cost you a lot of money to make repairs before the house hits the market.