DIY Pre Sale Property Checklist

Follow this DIY pre-sale property checklist on how to prepare your home before getting a building inspection.

1. Check and clear roof and gutters and silicone joins.

If not regularly cleaned, timber rot and water damage can occur to fascia and soffits.

2. Check silicone sealants to roof flashings

Ultraviolet rays of the sun will breakdown these (if unprotected) in a few years. All minor cracks to roof tiles should be sealed and all pointing to capping tiles regularly maintained with silicone to prevent any leakage and water damage to internal ceilings.

3. Check for cracks to roof tiles and replace or seal them.

All pointing to capping tiles should be maintained in good condition to prevent any leakage and stop the likelihood of water damage to internal ceilings.

4. Check your external/internal walls, ceilings and cornices for any cracks or moisture damage.

This could be due to structural movement or water leaks.

5. Adjust and lubricate sliders (doors & windows) – silicone (non-oily).

Check doors for binding, latching and locking problems. Repair / replace where necessary.

6. Check sealants and grouts to all wet areas.

Tile glues can crystallise in a few years if incorrectly applied. Timber rot and decay can be concealed behind showers and other wet areas.

7. Treat or paint all exposed timbers including tops of open decks, floor joists and tops of open pergolas.

Moisture will cause timber to decay (dry & wet rot). Avoid having timber posts, stairs, cladding, etc. in direct contact with the ground. This will help reduce the risk of termite and timber rot.

8. Check moisture around timber and steel stumps/supports and posts

Moisture causes decay and rust and can attract termites. Clear soils away from the bottom of posts and seal posts from any moisture.

9. Check that all surface water drains away from the house

600mm wide paving around the house is recommended. Water will swell ground clays and cause movement to foundations and crack brick and block walls. Divert all downpipes to curb where possible.

10. Check trees and gardens are away from foundations of house.

Keep water holes in brickwork clear. Covered weep holes can lead to rising damp and termite infestation.

11. If you have had a termite treatment system installed we recommend you check if it is due for renewal or an annual pest inspection.

Check all fences, retaining and landscaping timbers for decay, as decaying timbers promote termite activity. View our termite damage gallery to get an idea of what to check for (otherwise call a professional for a termite inspection).

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To maximise your sale price, we recommend a pre-sale building and pest inspection.