- Take care of the essentials before cosmetic work, such as plumbing, electrical, and sewage systems.
- Make sure the property is clean and dry by removing any furniture and using a mold-killing product if needed.
- Repair neglected items like small leaks and holes in the walls and upgrade insulation and windows.
- Remodel the kitchen and bathrooms to add value, and enhance your curb appeal with a new garden or fresh paint.
- Install a security system for extra peace of mind and boost the home’s appeal.
In March 2023, the average sales price of newly sold houses was $562,400. Comparatively, in February 2023, the average sales price was $501,800. In March 2022, the average sales price for new homes was $511,800.
The higher sales price made it prohibitive for some homebuyers. These homebuyers opted to buy fixer-uppers, which were cheaper compared to new houses.
Buying a fixer-upper can be both a challenging and exciting experience for homebuyers. While it may be a great opportunity to make improvements and increase the value of your home, it can also be overwhelming to decide where to start.
Enhancing a fixer-upper is not just about aesthetics but also functionality. This blog post will share some useful tips to help you enhance your fixer-upper, making it a beautiful home you and your family can enjoy.
Take Care of the Essentials
Before you begin any cosmetic work on your home, taking care of the basics is essential. Ensure that the foundation, structure, plumbing, and electrical systems function correctly. These things should be handled by a professional contractor. Going DIY with electrical and plumbing systems can lead to a disaster, so ensure you leave it to a professional.
Ensure the Property is Clean and Dry
Another essential step is to make sure the property is clean and dry. Mold, mildew, dirt, dust, and other debris can ruin paint jobs and cause health hazards. You should remove any furniture or belongings from the space and use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the dirt. If there are areas with mold or mildew, use a mold-killing product to safely remove it.
Check the Sewage
If the property is experiencing a sewage backup, you should work with a reliable sewage cleanup service. Aside from seeing sewage water flooding parts of the property, other signs of sewage backup include overflowing toilets, strange others from the drain, and water backup in tubs. In these situations, you should contact the service to prevent sewage from damaging your home.
Start with Repairs
Before you can begin to enhance your fixer-upper, start with repairs. This is an excellent opportunity to fix things that have been neglected for some time, such as small leaks, holes in the walls, and other repair issues that have been ignored over time. You can also consider upgrading your insulation and installing new windows to increase your home’s energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
Continue with Remodeling
Once the repairs are complete, it’s time to start remodeling. Depending on your budget and preferences, you may want to focus on a single room, such as the kitchen or bathroom, or tackle an entire home remodel. Take this opportunity to assess the needs of each room and determine what features need to be upgraded, such as cabinetry, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and appliances. You may also want to add accents such as crown molding or wainscoting for a more complete look.
Don’t Skimp on the Kitchen and Bathrooms
The kitchen and bathrooms are essential rooms in a home. When enhancing your fixer-upper, investing a little extra to make these rooms stand out is worth your while.
Upgrade Appliances
Consider upgrading your appliances, countertops, lighting fixtures, and cabinetry to bring your kitchen and bathrooms up to date. Installing new fixtures and making other cosmetic improvements will help modernize these spaces and create a high-end look you’ll be proud of. With a little extra effort, you can make these rooms look like they belong in a luxury home.
Enhance Your Curb Appeal
Finally, remember to enhance your curb appeal. The exterior of your home will give visitors the first impression of your property. A new garden, a fresh coat of paint, and a well-manicured lawn will enhance your home’s exterior appeal. A new and well-maintained roof will also improve the look of your home and add value.
Security System
Consider installing a security system to further boost your home’s appeal. Knowing that your property is monitored and secure will also give you extra peace of mind. By taking these steps, you can increase the overall value of your property and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Enhancing a fixer-upper is not an easy task, but with the right tips and strategy, it’s a task that can be accomplished. Ensure you take care of the essentials first, starting with repairs before moving on to cosmetic improvements. Remember to invest a little extra into the kitchen and bathroom to give them a high-end look. Finally, put a little thought into your home’s curb appeal. By following these simple tips, you’ll be on the path to transforming your fixer-upper into a beautiful and functional home that you’ll cherish for years.
