Hey everyone,
I’m looking at a property that has good bones overall, but there are a few small exterior issues I’ve been thinking about nothing major, just things like minor cracks in the driveway and a slightly uneven patio in the backyard. The house itself is solid, but I’m wondering how much these kinds of small concrete-related fixes actually matter when it comes time to sell.
I had a chat with a local concrete contractor who mentioned that uneven slabs or cracks can sometimes give buyers the impression that there’s a bigger issue underneath, even if it’s just cosmetic. That made me pause a bit especially since I know first impressions can really influence how people view a property.
Just curious how others here approach this. Would you take care of small things like that before listing? Or do you usually leave them and focus more on interior upgrades?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Hi Owen,
“Never ask a barber if you need a haircut!” is my comment re the concreter. He would be looking for work 24/7, so is likely to guide you toward his point of view re the cracks in the driveway.
Re the uneven patio, it depends just how uneven you are talking. You could check to see if the work ever had Council Approval or not. If no, THAT could be a bigger problem for you, as Councils can demand you remove them if not up to scratch. Did you have a Building Inspector check this place out? If so, what were their comments?
Buyers like to see a pleasing interior, so I would concentrate on that part more than a driveway. I’ll hold further comment re the patio, since the uneven-ness could be a few things – sign of someone throwing it up to suit their purpose, but never approved, or a sign of foundation problems or ground subsidence. Again a Building Inspector can be guided to spend a bit more time on such “concerns” if you request it.
Good luck with your next move,
Benny
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