Buying a rundown house can seem like a great idea. Because it needs lots of work, you’ll get it for a fraction of the price. Of course, you’ll then be faced with the issue of repairing the building and making it liveable.
This is the bit that can be difficult, and unforeseen delays can mess up your planning schedule. However, with some help, you can make any house liveable in a surprisingly short space.
Start With the Structure
Ideally, you should have the structure of any building checked before you invest. Unfortunately, this is the part that can cause you the most significant hassle and damage your budget. It’s best to get a professional and include dye penetrant testing on the list. There is no better way of confirming you don’t have a pest problem and that the house will stay standing for many more years.
Assessing the structure is best done before you invest to limit the number of issues or provide you with an opportunity to renegotiate.
Hook Up Utilities
If the house is rundown, then it is likely that the power and water have been turned off for safety’s sake. But, of course, if you’re moving in and want to make the place habitable, you’re going to need both of them. So it’s advisable to contact a local professional who can supervise the connection and ensure you have the wiring and pipework needed to support electricity and water.
Check The Roof
The next stage is to check the roof. In extreme cases, the roof will need to be replaced. The procedure isn’t complicated, but it is time-consuming. However, before you launch into replacing the roof, consider what is already there. It may simply need to be repaired. Roofs survive surprisingly well even when the house is neglected.
Take Stock
Decorating is comparatively easy. The real trick to making a rundown house liveable in a short time is to look at what needs to be done and then prioritize the tasks. Of course, water and electrics are the most important, along with any rotten floors.
If you’re doing the work yourself, and have checked your local regulations allow this, then choose one task and stick to it. Electrics are usually the best starting point as they generally go inside the walls.
When taking stock, it’s a good idea to consider which features you want to keep. Then, if possible, remove the features to restore them. If not, restore them in place and do the rest of the room around them.
You Don’t Have To Buy New
Budget restrictions can make it difficult to complete a house quickly if you need items and they are expensive. However, in many situations, you’ll find there are used versions of the same product. These are cheaper, available, and, with a good clean, will look new.
However, the real trick to completing a house in a short time recognizes that it will need thousands spent on it. Having money available to cover issues will make it easier to complete any project. Speak to your mortgage provider regarding what deal they could offer.