Have you recently purchased a fixer upper? You may be super excited about the possibilities lurking behind every wall and floor board, but you may also be absolutely dreading the work beginning. However, when embarking on a new home project, there is every possibility that the result will look absolutely amazing.
If you aren’t sure how to begin with on a fixer upper journey, then here are a few key tips to consider before getting started.
Look at the roof and structure.
If you didn’t get a house inspection before you bought your property, well, I’m sorry to know that. But now is the time to take care of that detail. And do it before you move in or start decorating.
Get to know the structure of your home and how the home works, including electrics and plumbing. Find out the age of the house, the age of the roof, and the age of the widows and doors. Check the foundation for signs of disruption that go beyond normal settling.
Decide on the keepers.
If you bought an old fixer upper that is exuding craftsmanship and details that are special and speak to you, make sure to consider those elements when you plan your fixing-upping. A charming stained glass window might be in an awkward spot for a kitchen or a laundry space, but it could be ideal in a dining room or study. Get to know those special features and think carefully how they can be integrated into your new home.
Be persistent about pests.
In some fixer uppers that have been languishing on the market or were previously owned by hoarders, there could a pest situation. This could be in the walls, floors, or ceilings and you might not know until you start looking around or demoing. You could see evidence that animals or bugs were living there previously, but you could also discover an active pest habitat, too.
If you purchased the home through an auction or online, you may not have had a chance to look around. When you get to the property you could be met with anything from bats to cockroaches. Contact a cockroach exterminator who can come in and get rid of your small, or not so small issue. If you have bats, there are other methods and restrictions involved in dealing with them.
Sort out the electric and plumbing.
Sometimes, a fixer upper has questionable electrics and plumbing that could be faulty. This is the last thing you want to be dealing with as it could lead to water damage or a fire which then causes extensive damage to your home.
If you aren’t a registered or qualified electrician or plumber, contact a local one to have a look at your home. They will tell you if anything needs to be ripped out and replaced, which is likely in an old fixer upper.
Assess the HVAC.
Creature comforts are important. Heating and AC is part of a modern life, and it’s expected that we are comfortable in our homes. If your fixer upper has an old HVAC system, you may want to replace it for a few reasons. You could be paying more every month for an inefficient system, and it could be taking up way more space in your home than is necessary of a modern system.
HVAC systems are not cheap and you will need to do some research on which one to get your hands on for your fixer upper. There are different types, including mini-split heat pumps, and there are differing sizes so you need to decide which one is best for your needs. However, if you don’t have a strong enough boiler for your needs then it can become inconvenient and uncomfortable.
If you have questions about a fixer upper, please drop us a note below.
