Selling your home and moving house is stressful. There is a lot to consider before putting it on the market. Take into consideration that homebuyers often ask to see a home inspection report before making an offer. Of all of the home’s exterior elements, a gutter system can be the most neglected. Focusing on the gutters is a good strategy when it comes to getting ready to sell your house because it improves curb appeal and makes your home attractive to potential buyers.
Inspect the Roof
Gutters are a part of the roofing system. And like the siding, the roof is one of several highly visible elements of a home’s exterior. It might not be necessary to replace the roof or do major repairs, but do conduct an inspection using binoculars, either from the ground or on a ladder. Try not to walk on the roof unless it is absolutely necessary. This will give you an idea what shape the roof is in and whether or not it will need to be inspected by a roofing professional. At the least, you will be able to see if there is any debris that needs to be cleared off first before tackling the gutters.
Clean the Gutters
When seeing gutters crammed with debris, a potential homebuyer might make an unconscious connection between poor maintenance and a gutter system’s effectiveness to protect a home’s exterior. If you haven’t been in the habit of cleaning the gutters at least once a year, before selling your home, DIY gutter clean or hire a gutter cleaning service to clean them for you. When cleaning gutters yourself:
- Ensure everything has been removed from the gutter channel – it only takes a bunch of leaves or a handful of pine needles to form a clog
- Check gutter outlets for debris build-up – even if you do maintain the gutters regularly bits of twigs, leaves, and blossoms can block where water flows into the downspouts
- Run water through the downspouts – gushing is good, trickling is typically a sign of a clog
- Make the outside of the gutters sparkle – curb appeal is important when you’re selling your home
Repair or Replace Gutters
Once you have cleaned the gutters inside and out, make repairs on damaged gutter sections or plan to replace sections that can’t be easily repaired. Check for missing or loose hardware, sagging sections, and dents. While dented aluminum gutters detract from good curb appeal, they can also restrict the flow of rainwater through the system and provide places debris can become snagged.
When the gutter system is beyond repair, invest in new gutters that will appeal to homebuyers – seamless aluminum gutters, eco-friendly materials, and easy to maintain.
Fix the Soffit, Fascia and Siding
If the gutters haven’t been regularly maintained, they can develop problems that impact your home’s exterior. Clogged gutters often result in an overflowing or leaking gutter system, causing water damage to the soffit, fascia, and siding. Remove soffit panels, fascia boards, and sections of siding that have been affected by wood rot.
