According to a Spring 2019 survey from Realtor.com, approximately 60% of homebuyers – many whom are first timers – say they would consider purchasing a fixer upper.
These houses are typically in need of a little extra TLC like repairs or updates and can sell for significantly less per square footage than their shiny, new neighbors down the street and around the corner.
However, many homebuyers are unaware of the sheer magnitude of tweaks, tucks, and even major adjustments that may be required, and costs can quickly escalate.
If you are considering purchasing a fixer upper, you’d do well to consult a home addition specialist, who can guide you in some important home renovation tips.
- The ‘Where’ is as Important as the ‘Why’: It may be a tired old adage, but that doesn’t mean “location, location, location” isn’t true. It should stand to reason, but bargain homes aren’t quite the deal you anticipated if they are airport adjacent, situated next to a noxious factory, or the focal point of a highly trafficked intersection. Fixer-uppers do exist in neighborhoods on the upswing, you just have to keep an eye out for them.
- Make certain your find is “fixer-upper” worthy. Perhaps not as refined as “location, location, location,” but there’s also a lot of credence to the saying “you can’t put lipstick on a pig.” In other words, you need quality raw material to work with (even if the quality is hard to see at first glance). Get a feel for the house’s flow and structure and make 100% certain that fits into your design plans.
- Assess the damage. Some patchwork is naturally more extensive – and expensive – than others. Know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Adding carpet, installing new light fixtures, and painting are all par for the course. But some more intricate repairs include:
- HVAC replacement
- Foundation work
- Roofing/reroofing
- Plumbing
- Driveway resurfacing
- Windows
- Find a seasoned contractor. Unless you’re a capable, DIY enthusiast, you’ll want to enlist the services of a home addition specialist. Do your homework. Get referrals. Check references. You don’t want to be left in the lurch if the “handyman” you hire throws up his or her hands and quits halfway through the process.
Cossentino and Sons Remodeling & Design, Inc., prides itself on meticulous attention to detail and personalized customer service. We’ve helped homeowners turn fixer-uppers into family homes that will be around for generations to come. We can help you navigate your remodel step by step. Call us at (410) 442-0000. View examples of our work on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.