Selling your home can be an exciting yet stressful process. To get the best price and attract serious buyers, it’s important to present your home in the best possible condition. Many buyers look for move-in-ready homes, so taking care of common repairs before listing can help you stand out in the competitive real estate market.
The good news is, you don’t have to buy expensive tools to get the job done. With Rentby, you can rent what you need from your neighbors, tackle these repairs, and save money in the process. Here are some of the most common home repairs to complete before putting your home on the market—and the tools you’ll need to finish them.
1. Patch and Paint Walls
One of the easiest ways to refresh a home is by patching up cracks or holes in the walls and giving them a fresh coat of paint. Small imperfections can make a room feel dated or neglected, so smoothing them out and repainting with neutral colors is a quick way to make your home feel newer.
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Spackling Knife and Putty: For filling in holes or cracks.
- Power Sander: To smooth patched areas for a seamless finish.
- Paint Sprayer or Rollers: For applying paint evenly, especially over large surfaces.
- Drop Cloths and Painter’s Tape: To protect floors and trim while painting.
- Other Tools: Renting a power sander or paint sprayer from Rentby can save time and ensure a professional-looking result, especially if you’re tackling multiple rooms.
2. Fix Leaky Faucets and Plumbing Issues
Buyers will notice if faucets are dripping or if there are plumbing problems. Fixing leaky faucets, clogged drains, or running toilets is an essential step in making sure your home is market-ready. Not only do these issues signal neglect, but they can also make buyers worry about larger, underlying problems.
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Wrench Set: For tightening or replacing faucet components.
- Plumbing Snake or Auger: To clear slow drains or minor clogs.
- Caulking Gun: For resealing around sinks, tubs, and faucets to prevent leaks.
3. Repair or Replace Damaged Flooring
Damaged or worn-out flooring can be a big turnoff for potential buyers. Whether you need to repair hardwood floors, replace cracked tiles, or update worn-out carpet, making your floors look new can greatly increase your home’s appeal.
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Flooring Nail Gun: To repair or install hardwood flooring.
- Tile Cutter: For replacing cracked or damaged tiles.
- Carpet Stretching Tool: To fix ripples or bumps in wall-to-wall carpeting.
- Power Sander: For refinishing hardwood floors.
4. Fix Doors and Windows
Drafty or sticky windows and doors can be an instant red flag to potential buyers. Make sure all doors open and close smoothly, repair any damaged or broken window panes, and ensure that windows are sealed properly to prevent drafts.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Power Drill: For tightening or replacing door hinges and hardware.
- Caulking Gun: To seal drafts around windows and doors.
- Glass Cutter: If you need to replace a window pane.
5. Update Lighting Fixtures
Outdated lighting fixtures can make your home feel old, while new, modern fixtures can instantly freshen up a room. Whether you’re replacing old fixtures or just cleaning and updating current ones, modernizing your lighting is a simple yet impactful change.
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Wire Strippers and Pliers: For safely replacing lighting fixtures.
- Power Drill: For installing new fixtures or mounting lights.
- Ladder: To safely reach ceiling fixtures.
6. Touch Up the Exterior
Curb appeal is crucial when selling your home. Buyers often make judgments about a property before they even walk through the front door. Focus on small but effective exterior updates, like repainting the front door, cleaning or power washing the siding, and updating outdoor lighting.
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Pressure Washer: For cleaning the exterior siding, driveway, or deck.
- Lawn Mower or Hedge Trimmer: To tidy up landscaping and improve curb appeal.
- Paint Sprayer: For quickly and evenly repainting the front door, shutters, or trim.
7. Repair or Replace Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important spaces to buyers, so repairing or replacing worn-out fixtures is a great way to add value to your home. Replacing old faucets, cabinet hardware, or even light fixtures can make a big difference in how modern and clean your home feels.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Wrench Set: For replacing faucets and plumbing fixtures.
- Power Drill: For replacing cabinet hardware and installing new fixtures.
- Caulking Gun: To reseal sinks, countertops, and backsplashes for a clean look.
8. Repair or Replace Appliances
If any of your major appliances are broken or outdated, it’s worth repairing or replacing them before listing your home. Buyers appreciate move-in-ready homes with fully functioning kitchens and laundry rooms.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Appliance Dolly: For safely moving heavy appliances.
- Power Drill and Wrenches: For any small repairs or installation of new appliances.
Final Thoughts
Before putting your home on the market, completing these common repairs can help boost its value, attract more buyers, and ensure a quicker sale. With Rentby, you don’t have to worry about purchasing costly tools for one-time use. Instead, you can rent everything you need from neighbors and get your home ready to sell with less stress and expense.
Tackle these repairs with confidence, and let Rentby help you access the tools you need to make your home shine in the real estate market!
