Mr. Seller - Step Away From the Screwdriver

     I just got a listing under contract in Chevy Chase and I survived the house inspesction process.  Now, I can finally take a breath!  The anxiety comes because the seller in Chevy Chase enjoys being a handyman in his spare time. He has taken on projects like spreading concrete all over the back yard, the common area front sidewalk, and up the side of his house, laid new linoleum tile in the front hall, and panelled part of his family room. 

     Regrettably, the buyers do not share the seller's enthusiasm for his home repair accomplishments. After the inspection, the buyers refused to have the seller do any of the repairs or even hire a licensed contractor to do the requested repairs.  Instead they were only satisfied with a significant credit from the seller to the buyers before they will go to settlement on this wonderful home in Chevy Chase.

     The seller's nonprofessional attempts to maintain his home have cost him money.  He definately isn't saving money. When an inspector sees messy workmanship, his sensitivities are aroused and he starts to look more closely at the rest of the house. Marginal issues like some missing shingles, combined with a previously repaired roof leak, are evaluated as an ongoing roof leak which needs a 4x4 section of the roof to be replaced, along with the plywood sheathing underneath. 

     Sellers getting ready to put their homes on the market should not try to cut corners by doing the work themselves, particularly when they are not licensed contractors. The possibility of code violations and sloppy workmanship are going to cost more money than you save. Just don't do it! Call a contractor and relax. They are the professionals!