Should I start repairing damage now or wait till I sell?

Question

I live in a 100 year old heritage house that was fully restored to its original condition 4 years ago. Two years ago I acquired a Border Collie, who did a lot of damage when he was a pup. Nothing vicious, just his nails gouging the cabinets and floors - doesn't help to cut them, but he's okay now anyhow. I powerwashed the outside last year and blew some of the paint off the trim, and there's minimal painting needing to be done inside.
Its not a hovel, but I'm sort of a perfectionist, so would like everything to be back the way it was when I moved in, but I know I will sell in a couple of years or so, should I have everything done then?

Answer 1

Since you are an admitted perfectionist, you have to keep in mind that not everyone else is. I think you should do the necessary repairs to bring the house up to a saleable standard for the general market. Take care of the obvious at least such as the damage to the cupboards and the painting, remembering that you are a perfectionist and will want to overdo what doesn't need to be, probably, even done. You should be working on the things you know need to be done starting now so that when you are ready to move eveything won't be rush rush and last moment. Look ahead in budgeting your time as you might be doing with your money.

Answer 2

certainly do before selling, but the question is do it now or later?

that depends on when will you have more time and disposable income? if you have the means and free time to do the work or watch over someone doing the work for you now, then do it now.

but be warned, you may still need to do some touch up work just before you sell. in fact, you will get more value for a freshly renovated house than a house that was renovated several years ago, especially with regard to your floors. when you redo it, pick a nice hard wood that is more resistent to damage.

Answer 3

You should do it now so you can enjoy the improvements before selling it. When I sold my last house, we moved out then started minor repairs and painting. It looked so much better after a little work. Right then I decided that I would do that stuff for myself rather than put in all that work for someone else to enjoy.

Answer 4

Just my opinion, but I think you should start repairing the stuff now; that way you'll have it done and out of the way if you do indeed decide to sell your house. Just put slippers on the collie or something! lol. w/b!

Answer 5

It doesnt sound like those things will cost to much, and you may be able to do it all yourself....I would fix it, only so a picky buyer ( like myself) wont want to buy it even though its minimal damage...It will give u a piece of mind knowing its done and when it comes time to sell nothing will affect that...I know what its like my puppy scratched up all my beautiful oak doors ( damn puppies :) )

Answer 6

If you do a little at a time right now, then when you get ready to sell, there won't be as much to do and it won't seem so expensive. Just start doing the little things right now. Then work up to the bigger things.

Answer 7

You'll get more $$ back from your investment if you fix it. And if you fix it now, you'll get an earlier return because the value of your home will increase while you're still living there.

Doesn't sound like a hovel... :)

Answer 8

Fix it up now and you will not have it nagging you on a subconscious level, you'll be happier. When you go to sell it fix what need to be done.

Answer 9

fix it up now, then you can have some time to see it looking at its best before you sell it :)

Answer 10

Might be a little cheaper to do it now.