If you’re under contract for a new home, you’ve probably had an inspection done. While some inspector-recommended repairs might have been urgent and tended to before closing, you may also have a long list of less-urgent repairs that were not completed.
Many homeowners forget to follow up on these repairs, assuming they’re not important. Unfortunately, though, the longer you wait out those repairs, the more likely it is that you will need to make more expensive repairs – or even replace a system or appliance.
Here are 4 Steps on what you need to know about following up on a home inspection.
Hold onto the list of recommendations
You may not have the time or resources to fix everything before you move but hold onto that list for future reference. File the list in a safe place and snap a photo to upload to digital storage space as well.Categorize repairs according to the urgency
Once the dust has settled after your move, dig out your list and order the repairs by their level of urgency. Look for repairs that can cause extensive damage if left unfixed. These should be tended to soon. Cosmetic repairs, on the other hand, can be delayed without consequences.Identify what you can do on your own
It’s almost always cheaper to do home repairs on your own. But, there are some things best left to the experts. In addition, if you’ll need to drop a boatload of money on supplies you’ll only use for this one-time repair, it can be cheaper to call in the experts. Keeping these two factors in mind, look through your list to see what you can do yourself.Start working through your list
Now you’re ready to start tackling the repairs. Start with the most urgent, and set aside time on weekends for the repairs you plan to do on your own. When hiring professionals, do your research and ask for references of past clients.