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Guide

What to Fix Before Selling in Contra Costa

By Karla I. Vasquez, REALTOR® · Keller Williams Realty Danville · Reviewed October 2026

Quick answer

Before selling in Contra Costa, take care of the low-cost items buyers and state law expect first: working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a properly strapped water heater. Check whether your area requires a sewer lateral certificate. Then fix things that are clearly broken, leaking or unsafe, and freshen up with paint, cleaning and landscaping. Big remodels rarely pay for themselves right before a sale. Disclose known issues honestly.

Start with the "must-do" items

These are inexpensive and come up in almost every California sale.

  • Smoke detectors. For a single-family home sale, California requires the seller to give the buyer a written statement that the home complies with state smoke detector law (DRE).
  • Carbon monoxide detectors. State law requires CO devices in homes with a gas-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage. The transfer disclosure form asks about them.
  • Water heater strapping. The seller must certify in writing that the water heater is braced, anchored or strapped against earthquake movement (DRE).
  • Water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Sellers of single-family homes must disclose in writing whether the home has noncompliant plumbing fixtures under Civil Code § 1101.4.
  • Local point-of-sale rules. Some East Bay areas require a private sewer lateral compliance certificate to close escrow. That includes areas served by EBMUD's program and the Stege Sanitary District in the El Cerrito area. Check your city's rules early, because sewer work can take time.

Do I have to fix everything before selling my house?

No. In California, the key duty is to disclose, not to make your home perfect. Sellers of 1–4 unit homes generally give buyers a Transfer Disclosure Statement and a Natural Hazard Disclosure, plus other required disclosures (DRE). Buyers then do their own inspections and can ask for repairs or credits.

What you fix is a strategy decision: - Fix it if it's cheap, obvious, or will scare buyers (leaks, broken windows, non-working outlets, missing handrails). - Get a quote and disclose it if it's big and the buyer may prefer to choose their own contractor (roof, foundation, sewer line). - Leave it if it's a matter of taste (dated kitchens, carpet color).

Repairs that usually make sense

  • Paint: fresh neutral interior paint and touch-ups
  • Small fixes: dripping faucets, sticking doors, cracked switch plates, burned-out bulbs
  • Water issues: active leaks, stains under sinks, gutters and downspouts
  • Safety: loose railings, trip hazards, missing GFCI outlets near water (have an electrician check)
  • Curb appeal: trimmed landscaping, clean walkways, a front door that looks cared for
  • Deep clean: windows, carpets and the garage

Should I get a pre-listing inspection?

Many sellers find it helpful. A pre-listing home inspection, and a pest inspection if your buyer's loan may require one, shows you problems before a buyer finds them. You can price, repair or disclose with confidence, and fewer surprises mean fewer renegotiations in escrow. Anything you learn becomes something you know, so plan to disclose it.

Karla's tips

  • Get a contractor's eye before you list. As Owner & Principal of KCK Construction & Remodeling, I can walk your home with you, separate "must fix" from "nice to have," and give you realistic repair estimates. My team can help with the work too, if you choose.
  • Spend where buyers look. Paint, lighting, landscaping and cleanliness show up in photos and showings. Big remodels often don't return what they cost.
  • Check sewer and city rules first. I'll confirm your city's point-of-sale requirements so nothing delays your closing.
  • Disclose honestly. Clear disclosures protect you and build buyer trust. I'll make sure you have all the right forms.
  • Bilingual walkthrough. I can review your repair list and disclosures with your family in English or Spanish.

En español: lo básico

Antes de vender su casa en Contra Costa, empiece con lo básico: detectores de humo y de monóxido de carbono que funcionen y un calentador de agua bien sujeto. Verifique si su zona exige un certificado de la línea de drenaje. Luego arregle lo que esté roto, tenga fugas o sea un peligro, y refresque la casa con pintura, limpieza y jardinería. No necesita remodelar todo, pero sí debe informar honestamente los problemas que conozca. Con gusto le doy un estimado real de reparaciones en español.

Sources

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, fees and rules change; confirm with the agency, your lender, escrow officer, tax professional or attorney. Karla I. Vasquez is a REALTOR® and Registered LDA, not an attorney.