If it weren’t for extreme temperature variations and routine wear and tear, homeowners would never have to worry about maintaining and repairing their concrete or asphalt driveways and walkways. Unfortunately, weather and wear are part of life and can have a big impact when it comes time for home inspections.
In order to have a successful inspection there are some important factors to note in the processes of cleaning up and repairing damage to asphalt and concrete. Beyond being unsightly, damaged driveways and walkways can lower the value of the home.
Fortunately, it won’t cost a homeowner thousands of dollars in driveway replacement if all they need are some simple repairs. Pillar to Post inspectors suggest the following tips real estate agents can pass along to their selling clients in order to improve a home’s curb appeal and saleability – at a reasonable cost.
Obviously, the first thing both a homeowner and a real estate agent can do is to make a visual inspection of the driveway or walkway. This procedure often reveals small and hairline cracks, which could become larger cracks in a short period of time. Cracks in cement or asphalt allow weeds and vegetation to further damage the visual appeal of a home. And not only can cracks turn off buyers, they can also pose a safety risk. Having an injury during a showing or inspection would be a disaster! Other things that turn off potential buyers are unsightly stains such as oil and grease – and can also be a safety hazard.
The fixes are relatively easy and can take homeowners less than a couple of hours in most cases. The process usually involves a few steps, such as surface preparation (removing weeds, vegetation, debris, loose pieces of concrete or asphalt, etc.). If stains are a problem, a good cleaning solution, power washer, or even kitty litter can turn an ugly driveway into something more attractive. The last part of the fix is the actual repair, which involves using cement or asphalt mix or patch.
The curb appeal of a home is often the “make or break” factor in its sale. A one or two hour investment of time repairing concrete and asphalt is a small price to in exchange for a “SOLD” sign.
For more information, visit www.pillartopost.com.
