Why Fix Your Crawl Space or Basement Before Listing This Spring?
Why Crawl Spaces and Basements Shouldn't Be Forgotten When Selling
It may be the dead of winter, but if you're getting ready to put your home on the market, that means you're doing everything you can to get it ready to sell. While the kitchen, bathrooms, a coat of paint, new flooring, and landscaping are nice-to-haves in a home and certainly attract buyers, what will keep a smart buyer invested in your property are the long-term repairs that can guarantee peace of mind for their future.
Homeowners often overlook the crawl space and basement, but inspectors don’t. Don't let that be the reason your buyers back out of the deal!
Common Issues We Find That Hurt Home Inspections
- Mold, even in the smallest amounts
- Evidence of standing water or moisture intrusion, like water lines
- Moldy or mildew smells that indicate there is moisture
- Rotting, sagging, cracked beams
- Cracked or bowing foundation walls
- Poor, ineffective insulation
The Repercussions of Not Repairing the Crawl Space or Basement
We'd never recommend spraying bleach, using low-efficiency dehumidifiers, laying plastic D-I-Y vapor barriers, or patching cracks on your own. Since they're cosmetic, the inspector will likely find them, and it will backfire.
When professional repairs aren't made, buyers will low-ball your offer, request repairs that add to your list of expenses, demand a repair credit, or walk away from the deal entirely. That's exactly what we're trying to avoid.
Plus, before you receive any offers, you could be scaring away potential buyers with a stinky basement, mold, or unstable foundation if it's noticeable.
Benefits of Repairing These Spaces Before Listing
- You could sell faster
- Appraisal value goes up
- Smooth inspections
- Stronger offers knowing your home is in solid condition
How Homeowners Can Prepare These Areas Before Listing
Here's what we recommend:
- Reach out to your local crawl space repair and basement waterproofing specialist like Alford.
- Ask for an inspection of the space you're concerned about.
- Any moisture coming in should be handled first. A new sump pump that works best for your basement or crawl space and interior/exterior drainage will cover this.
- Second, isolate the house from the earth. An encapsulation allows water to drain from the floor and walls to the sump. The liner should also be durable enough to walk around on and prevent mold growth.
- Sealing off all entry points is next. This includes vents, windows, cracks, gaps, doors, or anywhere air is leaking in from outside. Moisture travels inside your home with air.
- Finally, keep the air dry with a dehumidifier. A powerful dehumidifier can remove water from the air without any required maintenance on your end. It should be large enough for the space to effectively keep the air clean and dry.
Why Sellers Choose Alford to Prepare for Selling
Now is the perfect time to make sure your basement or crawl space is ready for the market this spring. We'll get you scheduled for a free inspection, and one of our expert real estate response team specialists will provide a thorough evaluation of your home.
We prioritize home sellers because timing matters, and repairs completed early will help you avoid last-minute inspection surprises. Alford Foundation & Crawl Space Repair partners with you to recommend the best solution to cover only what you need, giving you confidence that your home is ready to sell quickly. Give us a call today to get started with your estimate.