Advice Topics
- Buying (203)
- Selling (211)
- Renting (41)
- Market News & Trends (12)
- Finance & Legal Info (96)
- Tips & Advice (98)
- Working With an Agent (54)
- Marketing (4)
- Investing (16)
- Affordable Housing (17)
- Green Housing (2)
- Schools (1)
- Remodeling (32)
- International Real Estate (8)
- Terms & Definitions (27)
- Home Loans (15)
Top Contributors (View All)
Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You
Should I replace the garage ceiling before selling my home?
The drywall ceiling in my attached garage is falling down due to improper installation, so it will need to be replaced (including insulation). I am planning to sell my house soon and was wondering if I can expect to recover this expense in the sale, or if I should just remove the old drywall and not bother to replace it. Thanks!
Asked By Ted | i don\'t know, FL | 336 views | Remodeling | 4 months ago
Answer(14)
David Haskell
The Gove Group Real Estate
I would have to take a look. however, I would be inclined to say no. Put a small amount of effort to make it look clean. Maybe you pull everything out and paint it white
- 3 months ago
Helpful (4)
Unhelpful (0)
Bill Bambrick
William Bambrick, P.A.
Ted, you always want to sell from a position of strength. When buyers see areas needing repairs, they immediately start deducting, even if you priced it to reflect the needed improvement(s). Here's 2 options: get 3 bids from licensed contractors, and you can offer a seller concession based on the estimates.
Now here is where the rubber meets the road, if this is deemed a safety concern from a home inspection or a lender inspection, this will need to be corrected before they will underwrite the loan.
I would get it fixed and list it. Hope it helps.
Now here is where the rubber meets the road, if this is deemed a safety concern from a home inspection or a lender inspection, this will need to be corrected before they will underwrite the loan.
I would get it fixed and list it. Hope it helps.
- 3 months ago
- Helpful (2)
- Unhelpful (0)
Are you ready to find a top agent near you?
Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.
Kim Loizzi
Innovate Real Estate
If you are selling a home and want top dollar the more you repair the better your home will present itself. If you have living space over your garage many towns require the sheetrock to be in good order taped and spackled.
- 3 months ago
- Helpful (1)
- Unhelpful (0)
Jason Craig
Coldwell Banker
In most jurisdictions the ceiling between an attached garage and the house is considered part of the fire‑rated assembly that separates the garage from living space. Removing damaged drywall and leaving the joists exposed is usually not an option – it could violate building code and become a red flag on a home inspection or for the buyer's lender.
Replacing sagging drywall and insulation will likely cost a few hundred dollars, but it does three things:
• **Addresses a safety concern.** Proper 5/8‑inch Type X drywall slows the spread of fire from the garage into the house. Inspectors and appraisers will call it out if it's missing or falling down.
• **Improves buyer perception.** A visibly failing ceiling signals deferred maintenance and makes buyers wonder what else hasn't been cared for. Even if they aren't concerned about the garage, they will use it as a reason to discount their offer.
• **Reduces negotiation headaches.** If you don't fix it, buyers will either ask for a credit or price reduction after their inspection, or you'll end up repairing it anyway to satisfy their lender's underwriter.
Will you recover every dollar? Probably not dollar‑for‑dollar, but small repairs often have a high return because they remove objections that could cost you more in negotiations. Get quotes from a couple of contractors and have it done properly before listing. Your real estate agent can advise you on which repairs are necessary in your market and help you price the home accordingly.
Replacing sagging drywall and insulation will likely cost a few hundred dollars, but it does three things:
• **Addresses a safety concern.** Proper 5/8‑inch Type X drywall slows the spread of fire from the garage into the house. Inspectors and appraisers will call it out if it's missing or falling down.
• **Improves buyer perception.** A visibly failing ceiling signals deferred maintenance and makes buyers wonder what else hasn't been cared for. Even if they aren't concerned about the garage, they will use it as a reason to discount their offer.
• **Reduces negotiation headaches.** If you don't fix it, buyers will either ask for a credit or price reduction after their inspection, or you'll end up repairing it anyway to satisfy their lender's underwriter.
Will you recover every dollar? Probably not dollar‑for‑dollar, but small repairs often have a high return because they remove objections that could cost you more in negotiations. Get quotes from a couple of contractors and have it done properly before listing. Your real estate agent can advise you on which repairs are necessary in your market and help you price the home accordingly.
- 1 week ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Julianne Clark | Your Lowcountry Compass
Charter One Realty
This not just about recovering the cost to fix your garage issue. It is a financing issue for any Buyer looking for a loan. It is a negotiation issue for any Buyer looking for a deal. What you are describing is deferred maintenance and should be addressed prior to listing. Put your self in a Buyers shoes -- if the Seller neglected to repair an obvious issue -- what else is there mentality. This is not about recouping its about not getting slammed with a lowball when an offer is submitted!
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Tyler Tapley
Crye-Leike
Depends on the area, the price range, and if an appraiser may flag it. Also depends on the actual cost.
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Rhonda Buckner
Buckner Homes Realty Inc
I tell seller, Your compeition is brand new homes, try to make your look brand new.
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Yes, it's a good idea to fix the garage ceiling before selling. A clean and safe garage gives buyers a better impression. Small repairs can help your home sell faster and maybe for a better price.
- 3 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Dione Collier-Larkin
Adair Realty, Inc.
Absolutely—you should replace it. While repairing the ceiling may not directly increase your home’s appraised value, it will absolutely make the home more marketable and financeable. If the ceiling is missing or damaged, it can be flagged during the appraisal or home inspection, which could limit your buyer pool—especially for FHA, VA, or conventional buyers relying on financing. Replacing the drywall and insulation ensures a smoother transaction and prevents the issue from becoming a negotiation point later. Think of it not as adding value, but removing an objection.
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Gaby Islas
First Team Real Estate
Hi Ted,
Even small improvements—like repairing drywall, fixing plumbing, or giving surfaces a polish—can have a big impact on potential buyers when they tour your home. Beyond decluttering, I recommend hiring a professional cleaning or detailing service. It’s surprisingly affordable and can make your home feel refreshed and ready to impress.
Even small improvements—like repairing drywall, fixing plumbing, or giving surfaces a polish—can have a big impact on potential buyers when they tour your home. Beyond decluttering, I recommend hiring a professional cleaning or detailing service. It’s surprisingly affordable and can make your home feel refreshed and ready to impress.
- 3 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Richard Stewart
REO Specialis
I recently had that same problem. We ended up having to install drywall as a fire barrier for the fha loan to close. It was a very inexpensive repair and if the source of the water has been remedied, I would recommend it for increased appeal. Unless the rest of the property is in similar disrepair, this is an easy fix.
- 3 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
Related Questions
-
Should I replace my hollow doors?
My house was built in 1934 but someone replaced all the the interior doors with hollow ones, not solid wood. It seems weird in this historic house. Is it worth my money to replace them all before selling? - Rick
- Asked by Richard Maddses
- Milwaukee, WI
- 931 views
- Remodeling
- 2 years ago
-
What updates are worth it?
We're thinking of selling our condo. There are some things that are outdated or that could be updated. We don't want to waste our money on things that don't matter, but also want our condo to sell for the best possible price. So, what updates are worthwhile?
- Asked by Hudson A
- Denver, CO
- 1116 views
- Remodeling
- 2 years ago