Sometimes the houses we fall in love with need a little work! Whether the floors are covered in old carpeting, the bathroom tiling needs replacing, or certain appliances are out-of-date, your desired home may need some help. Not every residence is repairable though. Keep an eye out for these qualities to look for in a fixer-upper—then you can make the right decision about leaving or living.
- Previous homeowners. Surprisingly, you should start with the personal history of your potential project. The answers can tell you whether or not to persist, giving you crucial information right out of the gate. If the house has remained empty for years, has a dangerous history, or has a long line of previous owners who moved out quickly, you may want to pump the brakes. At the very least, exercise caution and do your research.
- Pests. It’s safe to say that we all want pest-free homes. If you don’t look for signs of pest presence like termite infestations, rodent-made holes, or even an attic full of creatures, you’ll have to deal with effects of unwanted guests for years to come.
- Build. If the building’s walls are sloping, the floors are dipping, or the roof is in unmanageable disrepair, it’s likely that this house will never be a (safe) home. It’s a good rule of thumb to make sure that you bring a professional, like a contractor or inspector, to check on the quality of your potential project’s build. Otherwise, you may shell out money on something that simply can’t be fixed.
- Mold and asbestos. Here’s yet another reason to schedule an inspection with an expert or two! Getting rid of asbestos and mold may ultimately prove unfeasible—and it can cause horrible health effects all the while.
- Wiring, plumbing, and power. Running water, electrical power, and a hardy plumbing system will make your house livable. However, if the systems in place that provide these services are faulty, you can find yourself in danger. Fires, flooding, and electrocution are all on the table! These aren’t qualities to look for in a fixer-upper, so make sure you invest in an inspection and know when to walk away. Notably, small problems, like routine plumbing fixes, aren’t deal-breakers, but issues in the wiring are good reasons to find a new place.
- Profitability. If you’re fixing up a property with the intention of making it your future home, this part won’t matter for at least a few more years. However, if you want to flip the house, make sure you calculate a budget: how much repairs will cost, an emergency cushion in case you need to spend more, and approximately how much it will sell for on the market. If you’re not careful here, you could come up with a huge loss.
Before you put all that work into revamping newly-acquired property, make sure that you determine if it’s even salvageable. Sadly, even if you love the house, there may be safety violations and permanent damages. However, if you keep these qualities to look for in a fixer-upper in mind from the get-go, you’re sure to avoid a long, exhausting process.
If you’re on the search for your ideal home, Ryan Roberts can help. Call him at (334) 750-9872 or email him at [email protected]. As for learning more about the real estate world—and the many cool local happenings in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin area—continue to take a look at our helpful blog.