When you’re preparing your home for sale there are a lot of things that you might be considering doing to maximize your return, but have you considered how much impact your plumbing could have?

Not only will high-end plumbing have a positive effect on your price, it can also be a huge factor in how desirable your home seems and therefore how quickly it sells. On the flip side, dated, worn or faulty plumbing will certainly have the opposite effect.

The Role Of Plumbing In Home Valuation

You may be forgiven for thinking that updating the plumbing is low on the list of things to do while considering selling your home but in a competitive property market it can be the deciding factor for buyers.

Negative impacts

Any survey which a potential buyer undertakes, or even a good snoop about during a viewing, will show any issues. These issues, even fairly minor ones, will contribute to a negative view of your property and that will have a depressing effect on the price buyers are willing to pay.

Things like a dated suite in the bathroom, poor pressure, old and inefficient heating systems or worse, signs of leaks will all put off potential buyers.

Positive Impacts

On the other hand, if there are no issues- a fresh suite in the bathroom, great water pressure, and modern heating- then buyers will be impressed.

Updated systems in good order contribute to the “ready to move in” feel. They mean there’s less work for the buyer to undertake themselves and this is usually reflected in the prices they’re willing to pay.

Making choices

It’s definitely worth getting a professional plumber in to take a look at your whole system and make suggestions about what can be done before you go to market. They’ll be able to advise you on how much any remedial works might set you back.

Even if you decide the costs won’t make enough of a difference to your final price to be worth the effort, at least you’ll be making an educated decision.

Plumbing Features Which Boost Home Resale Value

While just ensuring everything is in good working order will have a positive effect on your home’s value there are a few things you can do to really boost it when it comes to plumbing.

Modern Efficient Systems

With the costs of utilities constantly going up (and never coming down) it’s important that your plumbing gives you the most bang for your buck.

This is particularly true of systems like central and water heating. This doesn’t have to mean ripping everything out and replacing it with a combi, even if your home has a more “traditional” system, updating it to a newer model can pay dividends.

Eco Friendly Solutions

Modern installations don’t just help reduce the financial impact that your buyer might face in the long-term, they can help reduce their environmental footprint too.

Features like low-flow toilets and tankless water heaters, as well as choosing environmentally friendly fuels where possible can be a huge draw for eco-conscious buyers.

Luxury Fixtures and Amenities

Another vital aspect to consider is just how luxurious an experience your plumbing can offer. You’re not just selling a pile of bricks and mortar after all- your home is a vital part of your lifestyle.

From spa-like bathrooms with bubble-jets and mist showers to the more subtle things like on-demand hot water and reliable pressure – plumbing can be a great way to bring a touch of the lux to any home.

Common Plumbing Red Flags For Home Buyers

Of course, just like great plumbing will increase prices, signs of bad plumbing have the opposite effect. Here are the red flags that will set off alarm bells for any buyer:

Aged and Outdated Systems

Older systems, even when they’re in perfect working order, are less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. Nothing lasts forever and very few buyers want the added worry of having to replace them soon after moving in.

Signs of Leaks and Water Damage

Even if you’ve fixed the underlying problem, water stains, mold and other signs of leaks will create a negative impression and make any viewers feel that there may be serious issues with your home.

Inadequate Water Pressure or Temperature Control

Poor water pressure is a huge blow to quality of life and can be a symptom of real problems with a plumbing system. Likewise, poor temperature control signals that something has gone wrong to any potential buyer.

Sewer and Septic Concerns

No one wants to live in a house with sewage problems. Any sign of a serious issue here will be an absolute deal-breaker for almost any buyer.

Preparing Your Plumbing For Sale

Before going to market with any property, here is a simple check-list to follow to ensure your plumbing is working for you rather than against you:

Professional Inspections

Getting a professional plumber in to give everything the once over is a great idea. Not only will they be able to carry out any repairs and make suggestions for improvements, they’ll be able to give you documentation to show any buyers to let them know everything really is as good as it looks.

Addressing Repairs and Upgrades

While it’s a good idea to keep on top of maintenance in general, it goes double when getting ready to sell. Just how much new and fully working systems enhance appeal cannot be overstated.

Documentation and Records

Keep hold of any paperwork related to your plumbing- receipts, warranties and reports will all offer peace of mind to your buyer.

The Inspection Process

A full inspection of your plumbing system offers peace of mind to both potential buyers and sellers. A plumber will come to your home, ensure that everything is in working order and highlight any areas where repairs are needed.

Areas they will likely check include:

  • Water Pressure
  • Sewer lines
  • Water heaters
  • Toilets
  • Valves
  • Pipe health

Assuming that these are all in good order they’ll tick off a major box for anyone considering purchasing your home.