Not everyone is lucky enough to live in the house of their dreams. Some homeowners have to compromise, settling for a slightly rundown property due to a variety of factors such as financial restraints. Some property buyers, on the other hand, subscribe to the belief that fixer-uppers are a better investment than a newly constructed residential property. Whatever one’s reasons may be, the fact remains that taking on a fixer-upper is no walk in the park. As such, the entire undertaking can be overwhelming even for those who aren’t strangers to home repairs and other home remodeling projects like a home window installation in Fostoria, OH.
What Is a Fixer-Upper?
You might have heard of the term ‘fixer-upper’ being thrown around in home improvement shows long before you’ve considered investing in one. In real estate terms, a fixer-upper is a residential property that requires a considerable amount or repair work to be considered as a proper habitable space. Fixer-uppers can, in fact, be lived in as is. However, be prepared to encounter inconveniences in the form of unsightly or malfunctioning features should you choose to move in without doing any repairs.
Keep in mind that a good number of these types of properties comes up for sale because the previous owners have deemed the upkeep to be too tedious or too costly to be considered worthwhile. If you’re up for a good challenge and want to see how the proper decisions and project prioritization can give way to a stunning home, then a fixer-upper is for you.
Choosing the Perfect Fixer-Upper
Once you’ve already made up your mind about living in a fixer-upper, it will serve you well to know that there are fixer-uppers that simply aren’t worth the trouble. In short, some fixer-uppers really are just money pits posing as an attractive possibility. With that in mind, you have to be aware of certain aspects that are dealbreakers. Whatever your reasons for buying a fixer-upper are, it’s in your best interest to discern which properties are a steal and which ones are just a waste of time, money and resources.
In any case, here’s what to look for in a worthy fixer-upper.
1. Strong Structural Features
Let’s face it, scouting for a fixer-upper to purchase is definitely no walk in the park. However, the process can be a little bit easier and less grueling if you know what to look for. One major thing that is indicative of a ‘good’ fixer-upper is a property that has strong structural features. This means that the roof should be more or less intact, with no serious problems that a roofing company in Fostoria, OH can’t fix. The HVAC system should also still be at least functioning, although not necessarily efficiently. The same goes for the foundation. You can check with your real estate contractor whether the property you’re eyeing still has a good, solid foundation.
As for plumbing, you want to check the amount of work needed to bring the place up to scratch.
Expect fixer-uppers to have low water pressure, but no need to fret since this is usually a fairly minor problem. What you have to be wary of are pipes that need to be replaced, as these are considered a major repair work. Nevertheless, don’t let plumbing issues hinder you from buying a fixer-upper that you’ve taken a shine to.
A practical floor plan is always a good thing. If you can find an older home with an open layout that’s all the rage nowadays (read: fewer walls to knock down), then you just might have found yourself a gem.
2. Little to No Infestations
Infestations can be expected, especially in older homes. Ideally, you want a house that has as little infestation as possible, be it mice, termites, mold, or asbestos.
3. Recently Occupied
Homes that have remained empty and unoccupied for a few years are most probably going to have problems. Try going for recently foreclosed homes rather than houses that have low selling prices but have been abandoned for more than a couple of years.
Welcome to Your (Old) New Home—Let the Renovations Begin!
Renovations are a normal part of buying a fixer-upper. Often, it seems like the work that needs to be done is endless. After all, an older house is not exactly the epitome of things functioning as they should. Before everything gets overwhelming, know that the process can be simplified. Knowing how to prioritize can spare you from the headaches of remodeling. Keep in mind that the first repairs that you’ll have to get out of the way are not for cosmetic purposes.
Needless to say, the renovation projects that you have to prioritize are more so that your house can become livable again. While not all fixer-uppers are the same, these home improvement projects are a good place to start.
Roof & Gutters
It’s not enough that the house you’ve purchased has a roof and a gutter system that are intact. These two features also have to be working optimally. Otherwise, you’re setting your home up for a slew of other problems such as a flooded basement, rotting soffit and fascia, damaged siding and even an eroding landscape. The longer you leave the roof and gutters unchecked, the worse these problems are going to become.
Foundational Repairs
It’s better to be sure that the foundation of your newly purchased home is, in fact, structurally sound. If you spot wall cracks and sagging or uneven flooring, don’t think twice about contacting your trusted contractor. Doors that don’t open or close properly can also indicate foundational issues, so a door replacement service in Fostoria, OH probably won’t solve the problem.
Electrical & Wiring Repairs
Electrical and wiring issues need to be sorted out first and foremost due to safety and comfort concerns. Unless you prefer living in a house with flickering lights and fluctuating power, it’s in your best interest to have your electrical and wiring fixed as soon as, or even before, moving in. Electrical and wiring repairs are a life-saving project and can prevent your home from catching on fire.
Plumbing
Looking forward to a good soak in the tub after a long day? Make sure you get uninterrupted water flow by prioritizing plumbing repairs. You also stand to improve the performance of your faucets and toilet flushes by making sure the plumbing is in place.
Doors & Windows
Security should also be a top priority, which is why you should set out to change the locks of the doors in your home, especially the exterior doors. The windows need to be repaired or replaced as well, depending on the severity of the damage. Leaving your doors and windows as is can affect your home’s energy efficiency in the form of air leaks which can, in turn, cause your utility bills to skyrocket.
A word to the wise: invest in energy-efficient, sturdy doors and windows that look good and perform well. This accomplishes two things, namely the fortification of your home’s security measures and the boosting of your home’s curb appeal.
Home improvement tasks like repainting, cabinet refacing, updating the light fixtures and minor projects such as a powder room remodeling can wait. Your priority is to make your home safe, secure and comfortable to live in.