When selling or buying a house, the assessment of the property is a crucial step. For both buyer and seller, it is important to carry out a complete inspection of the house. The buyer wants to be protected from possible hidden defects. The seller’s interest is even more important, because hidden defects could be detrimental in the future.
There are many things to inspect before closing the sale of a house: mold, asbestos, parasites. The decontamination experts at Elite Pest Control explain what to inspect to protect yourself from hidden defects when selling a house.
Why inspect and decontaminate your home before selling?
Calling in a decontamination specialist when selling your home is a sensible choice that will help you avoid unnecessary stress and problems such as:
- Your property losing value
- Legal action due to hidden defects
- Visits that deter potential buyers
1. Avoid your property losing value
Calling in a decontamination and disinfection service is a wise investment. Our professionals provide a free diagnostic assessment, and we may find no trace of contamination in your home.
However, the opposite is often true, and the problems can be difficult for owners to identify. After our visit, you’ll have the green light to focus on selling your house, and you’ll be happy to know it’s taken care of.
2. Protect yourself from potential legal action
One common problem that can occur when you neglect to have your home professionally inspected and decontaminated is being sued by the buyers due to hidden defects.
It is not uncommon in Quebec for a buyer to take the seller to court several weeks or months after signing the deed of sale if they notice hidden defects. Contaminants are much more common than you might think. Elite Pest Control’s insulation service can rid you of problems such as vermiculite after a thorough inspection.
3. During a visit, first impressions are the truest
When visiting a potential buyer, the first impression is often decisive. You want to impress visitors as soon as they walk through the front door. Your chances of a successful sale will increase if you make sure that the house is neat and clean. This can even serve as a selling point to potential buyers.
On the other hand, the slightest concern, such as a suspicious odor or stains on the garage floor, would probably ruin your chances of selling the house to the visitor.
What should be inspected to prevent hidden defects?
A professional inspection and decontamination of the premises to determine the presence of any hidden defects, such as mold, pests or contaminated materials, is usually done as follows:
Comprehensive evaluation of the state of the property:
- Walls, floors, entry points, attic, etc.
Pest extermination:
- Owners sometimes don’t realize that intruders have infiltrated their home. Pests can cause problems such as mould and bacterial growth, which can lead to health concerns.
Entry point caulking:
Small cracks in dark areas are perfect places for animals like mice to enter, so it’s best to stay vigilant and caulk as needed.
Mold and bacteria decontamination:
- Once the entry points are sealed, our experts pay particular attention to high-risk areas (cellar, attic, garage, etc.) and use the best methods and products to eliminate any and all contamination.
Site sterilization:
- Sterilization concludes the decontamination by destroying the last bacteria and microbes that have withstood the rest of the process.
Are you a buyer? Decontamination concerns you too!
Even though we’re discussing the risks of sellers skipping inspection and decontamination, this article is important for prospective buyers as well. Hidden defects are a problem that affects all parties involved in the sale.
If you’re looking to buy a property, you want to pay a fair price for it. How can you be sure that what you’re paying is fair when the visit lasts just a few minutes and you aren’t a real estate professional?
Here are the things to inspect during a house or apartment visit to find possible hidden defects related to contaminants or pests:
- Check for signs of corrosion on outlets or switches, the base of metal poles, etc.
- Check for potential pest entry points where caulking may be required
- Check for spongy floors
- Look for peeling wallpaper and peeling paint, which may indicate mold in the home
- Look for freshly painted ceilings and window frames
- Smell any suspicious odours
- The attic should be inspected very carefully for infested or contaminated insulation
If you have any doubts, you can request an inspection. This strategy can also help you negotiate a lower price.
If you are looking to buy a rental property, take a look at our article about who is responsible for a pest infestation and find out about the responsibilities of being a landlord.
Contact Elite Pest Control to prevent hidden defects before buying or selling your home
Protecting yourself from hidden defects is important for both sellers and buyers. These defects aren’t always intentional and can result from an infestation or contamination that wasn’t reported.
Whatever the cause, you should always report any hidden defects that are found during the home inspection. In this case, it would be necessary to have the premises decontaminated or, in the worst case, an extermination may be required.
Contact Elite Pest Control to have your house decontaminated. Our teams have all the necessary equipment and experience to leave your house clean and healthy. You will feel more reassured and will be able to conclude the sale of your house with complete peace of mind.
