You plan on selling your house one day, perhaps sooner than later. And when that time does come, you will hope to get the best possible price for it.
In order to make the most money from your house, you keep it in very good shape. You spend time and money fixing things when they break, painting rooms when they start to look dull and listless and you are always on the roof keeping your gutters clean and replacing missing shingles.
And then there are the bigger problems that worry you from time to time.
For example, a cracked foundation is going to lower the value of your home, so you might want to have it inspected to see if it needs any repairs. There are other issues that can devalue your home rather quickly.
For example, a leaky roof in need of repair will lower the value of your home. The smell of pets is another problem that will not only lower the value of your home, but it will also prevent many people from making a bid on it.
There is one problem that many homeowners overlook when they are considering the value of their home and whether or not to put it on the market: A pest control problem.
There is nothing worse than walking into a house and seeing signs of roaches, mice or other pests. If you wish to protect the sweat and equity you have put into your home, make sure you properly deal with any pest problems you might have. Earthwise Pest Management, your pest control service in Sacramento, offers ways pests can take the equity out of your home.
Dirty Gutters
When you first bought your house, you cleaned your gutters like clockwork every spring and fall. But it has been a few years since you even broke out the ladder, much less clean your gutters.
It starts with a few leaves that find their way into your gutters. From that point, it is only a matter of time until water starts pooling and becoming stagnant. Suddenly, you have the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects, some of which could do some serious damage to your home.
Open Vents
Major appliances aren’t built to last forever and you will find yourself eventually replacing your refrigerator, washing machine and clothes dryer. These are expensive buys and in an effort to save a little money, you might be handy enough to install these appliances yourself.
That’s fine, as long as you know what you are doing. A clothes dryer sends exhaust through a duct that terminates in an exterior vent. Unless you take the necessary steps, rodents and insects can use that vent as an entry point.
So ensure that your vent includes a damper, the component that opens to let air escape and then closes back up.
Tree Bridges
The trees you have on your property give you great curb appeal and they keep the house cooler in the heat of summer. But remember that branches that hang over your roof can serve as a bridge, enabling critters and other pests access to your roof and possibly inside your attic.
It is essential that you are proactive and keep your trees near your house trimmed.
The Foundation
A cracked or otherwise damaged foundation is never a good thing. And while you might put off any repairs until you decide to sell your home, know that it is not a very wise decision.
The last thing you want is to suffer an infestation of termites or other types of pests because they gained entry through these cracks. Be smart and get that foundation fixed.
Your Deck
Building a deck is a very popular project for do-it-yourselfers who appreciate the benefits. However, the work does not end once the deck is complete. Always keep in mind that wood-boring and wood-destroying insects target decks. And they won’t stop there, the next step is your house.
To help ensure that your deck and home stay safe from these pests, make sure you use lumber that has been treated to deter pests. You also need to refinish your deck from time to time as to not leave any raw lumber exposed.
If you are suffering a pest problem, call Earthwise Pest Management.