The Importance Of A Home Safety Check Before Selling

There's plenty of preparation that goes into selling your home. Preparing the home correctly is important, even when your to-do list is a mile long. It's easy to overlook the importance of a safety check when you're doing so much to prepare your home, but skipping safety is a big mistake. Avoid unwelcome problems after closing the deal by doing a safety check both indoors and outside before selling your home.

1. Lawn and Landscaping Safety
   Start your safety check outdoors by making sure that your yard doesn't contain any surprises. Remove all pet droppings, and check for any sharp items like glass hiding in your lawn. Make sure that there aren't any poisonous plants in the area, with poison ivy being the most common risk. If you have weed killers or other outdoor chemicals, make sure they are stored safely.
2. Outdoor Pool Areas
   Swimming pools rank among the most high-risk areas around the home, so you'll want to spend some extra time making sure everything is safe. A fence with a locking gate can help keep children away from the pool when it's unattended, and a secure pool cover is a must-have for the off-season. Check that all drain covers are VGB-compliant, and choose a safe spot to store any pool chemicals.
3. Home Fire Safety
   Fire safety should always be a priority as a homeowner, and that remains true when selling your home. Install smoke detectors in good working order throughout the house. Check for damaged outlets or wires, and make sure the electrical elements of appliances are in good shape. Clean outdoor cooking areas and ensure grilling spaces are a safe distance from the home.
4. Keeping Your Kitchen Safe
   Your kitchen is one of the most critical stops during your safety check because of the electrical and gas appliances in the room. Make sure your kitchen has a working smoke detector and a fire extinguisher nearby.
5. Electrical Systems
   Electrical systems in the home rank among the most common areas for fire risk, and that's especially true if the home has old wiring. Before you sell, it can be a good idea to have a trusted electrician review your systems and check that everything is safe. If there are any significant safety or code risks with your electrical system, it's vital to have them fixed before selling your home.
6. Pests, Bugs, and Mold
   ​​​​​​​Pest infestations and mold problems are two of the last things that any buyer wants to see in their new home; it makes it much harder to sell. Consider having a pest control expert check the house thoroughly and take the necessary steps to prevent future infestations. Check for mold, including attics, crawlspaces, and other places that you rarely visit because mold thrives in damp, out-of-the-way areas of the home.

Performing a comprehensive home safety check is a crucial step when selling your home. It provides peace of mind that you won't have any unwelcome surprises after you close the deal. In addition to helping prevent potential lawsuits, a safety check makes it easier for the next owner to enjoy the home just as much as you have.

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