Some home repairs to make to avoid inspection fails can be simple and inexpensive. When you’re selling , the home inspection could be a make-it-or-break-it moment for closing the deal. If problems pop up during the inspection, your sellers could be on the hook for dealing with expensive repairs — or worse, the prospective buyer could drop out.

Properly Wired Outlets

Home inspectors will walk through each room and check to make sure each outlet is wired properly.

While this may sound complicated, you can buy a tester from Lowe’s or Home Depot for less than $10. Simply plug this device into each outlet and it uses lights to tell you if everything looks good or not.

Roof Repairs

The roof is the very first thing an inspector will see when he walks up to your listing. Few people want to buy a property with a bad roof.

Install or Repair Gutter Downspout Extensions

One of the most overlooked repairs by home sellers is gutter downspout extensions. These are critical in keeping the water from causing damage to the foundation.

Water Heater Up to Code and Working Properly

Is the temperature/pressure relief valve properly run outside of the home without ever running uphill? A handyman or a plumber can usually add the discharge line for a minimal cost.

Install and Replace Smoke Alarms

Do each of your bedrooms have an operating smoke alarm? Do they work? Have you tested them or replaced their batteries.

If all that needs to be done is battery replacement, this is a cheap and easy fix to make prior to an inspection. If an alarm needs to be added or moved, this can be more costly.

Properly Labeled Electrical Panel

Are all the electrical circuits properly labeled? If not, get someone to help you identify each breaker and the location they operate. A labeling machine works well for making easily readable labels

All Light Bulbs Working

A burnt-out light bulb can lead to an unnecessary red flag on your home inspection report.

Don’t get a red mark on your report because of a bad light bulb.

Do all bulbs and switches work? The inspector won’t replace a light bulb. They’ll simply assume the switch may not work.

Repair Broken Irrigation System

Do sprinklers work? If not, have you already disclosed that to buyers, so they aren’t surprised when they read the home inspection report?

To prevent any possible red flags on your listing inspection report, make sure sellers are taking care of irrigation system repairs ahead of time

Door, Lock and Window Repairs

Do all of doors and windows open and close properly without dragging or binding? Do the locking mechanisms work properly? Does the door latch when pulled shut? On exterior doors, can you see daylight around the weather stripping? If so, it probably needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Fix Water Leaks

The home inspector will check for leaks throughout your home, so be sure to address these before the inspection. Plumbing is a major concern for meticulous buyers.

Address Mold and/or Termite Issues

Mold and termite issues can end a deal. The seller should get an inspection beforehand and fix problems so that the buyers don’t cancel.

These can be expensive issues to address but may be worth it if you don’t want to lose out on a sale.

Repair Damaged Flooring

Must repair the damaged floors as aesthetically, it harms the entire design of the room and prompts buyers to look somewhere else.

Chipped floors and tiles can be a potential hazard for families with children and pets.

Article adapted from content provided by Liliana Warr of Showhomes Tampa Bay