Author: keynote

Guest Post by Bret Engle

There’s a romantic lure behind the fixer-upper — buying an old, rundown house that nobody wants and with your bare hands, transforming it into your dream home — or a tidy profit! However there’s a downside, too, and many eager DIYers bought houses that ended up costing much more than they expected in repairs. To get this right, you need to find the right place, bring in the right people, and, yes, be willing to put a lot of work in yourself. Here’s what’s ahead of you.

The Buying Process

The buying process is more time-consuming and more expensive when you’re after a fixer, because you need to have more inspections done. First, you’ll check out some of the prices of homes that will need some work. For example, the average listing price for a fixer-upper home in Catonsville, Maryland is $150,000.

Secondly, you’ll need to have the house inspected by professional, ideally one with a background in building. You’ll also need to bring in a contractor so that you can get a quote on repairs before you put in your bid — and expect to pay 10-25 percent more than this quote due to unexpected surprises. If the house has serious flaws, such as roofing or structural problems, don’t let the cheap price tag fool you — such issues will eat into your profits and possibly eliminate them entirely. As Inman.com puts it, the best fixer to go for is “grandma’s house” — a place that has been maintained well, but is full or out of date with worn furniture.

Bringing in Contractors

It can be easier to hire a general contractor to help plan your renovations, because they can manage all subcontractors such as electricians and plumbers themselves and give you an overall bill. However, a general contractor will charge a fee, and according to Building Advisor, this could be as high as an extra 25 percent. If you’re organized, financially savvy and a good negotiator, you could save money by acting as your own general contractor and sourcing subcontractors yourself. However, if you’re a first-time buyer, your inexperience will probably shine through at some point, potentially costing you a little extra money or time as a result. You might be best bringing in a general contractor, at least for your first fixer, and try it yourself on the next one.

DIY Repairs

Make a list of all the work you need and want to do in the house — if you’ve had a contractor in, they will be able to help you with this. Then, order the list in terms of the jobs you’ll need to do first. Of course, structural work needs to come first, along with anything that’s “out of sight” — ductwork, plumbing, electrical — that sort of thing. Then go down the list and tick off whatever you’re willing and able to do yourself.

Remember to buy any tools you’ll need to complete this work including sanders, drills and jigsaws. Note that if you plan on living in this home, you’ll need to get the basic facilities up and running as soon as possible, as well as a bedroom to sleep in.

Here’s a handy link that goes in depth on how to spruce up your existing kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint!

Making a Profit

There are two ways to make money from your home — sell it, or rent it out. First, find out if renting will be profitable — take the average rent price in your area, and deduct mortgage, insurance, taxes and other fees from that. Are you left with enough profit to make the venture worthwhile? Keep in mind, there’s a time commitment, too — you’ll have to manage repairs, advertise rooms and deal with your tenants.

Another factor to consider is the current housing market situation. If prices are booming, you might be best selling now to take advantage of this. Plus, you’ll then have a good chunk of cash to put towards another house right away.

Take Your Time

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when getting a fixer is to rush in. Don’t be pressured by sellers and make sure all the relevant inspections have been completed before you make a bid. If you’re patient and willing to put in the work, you’ll have a much higher chances of success with your project. Good luck!

This episode features Ashley and Tony

Guest post by Bret Engle

There’s something charming about getting ready for winter. As you unbox sweaters and stack firewood, don’t forget to make sure your house is ready for the season too. While some winterization tasks can be done DIY, others are above the average homeowner’s paygrade. Here are four projects on your to-do list that you should rely on professionals for:

1. Install energy-efficient windows

Inefficient single-pane windows could be spiking your winter energy bills. Replacing them with double-pane windows is a big project, but it pays for itself over time in reduced heating and cooling costs and increased home value. In addition to opting for double-pane, consider how the windows operate. According to the Department of Energy, awning, hopper, and casement windows are more airtight than sliding models.

2. Inspect the roof

Between freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads, winter is the hardest season on your roof. Make sure it’s up for the challenge by scheduling a roof inspection each fall. A professional will assess the condition of your roof based on interior and exterior factors. They’ll check for roof sagging, damaged and broken shingles, corroded flashing, and signs of moisture accumulation on the roof, as well as signs of water damage on interior ceilings. It’s best to fix these problems as they arise rather than waiting and needing to replace the entire roof. In Franklin, OH, most homeowners can expect to spend between $6,000 and $8,053 on a new roof, which can make a dent in anyone’s budget.

3. Clean the gutters

Sure, you could clean the gutters by yourself. But who wants to spend a day perched on a ladder, digging in the muck? Not to mention, cleaning gutters is one of the more dangerous jobs around the house: According to the CDC, 43 percent of all fatal falls involve a ladder. Hiring someone to clean your gutters costs, on average, less than $200, and the small expense is worth saving yourself the trouble.  

4. Maintain the furnace

Fall furnace maintenance should be a part of every homeowner’s annual schedule. Not only do furnace inspections reduce the odds that you’ll end up heat-less in the middle of winter, it also protects your family from a potentially fatal carbon monoxide leak. During an inspection, an HVAC technician will test the furnace’s thermometer calibration, lubricate its motor, and ensure all parts are unobstructed and in good working condition.

While some home winterization jobs are best left to professionals, other tasks homeowners can do themselves to save money and hone their handyman skills.

Infographic Source: HomeAdvisor

• Reverse ceiling fans: Many people don’t realize it, but most ceiling fans have two settings: one for summer and one for winter. Flipping the switch on ceiling fans will cause the blades to push warm air downward for winter to keep your house warmer.
• Replace the furnace filter: A dirty air filter causes your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, resulting in higher energy bills and a less comfortable home. Throw away your old furnace filter and replace it with a clean filter of the same size before turning the heat on.
• Seal drafts around doors and windows: Worn-out weatherstripping and cracked caulk give cold air entry points into your home. Check doors and windows for drafts and seal air leaks as needed.
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Fall prep is a good time to make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working condition.
• Gather snow supplies: Don’t find yourself in a snowstorm without a shovel in sight. Go shopping for shovels, snow melt, ice scrapers, warm clothing, and any other necessary winter supplies before bad weather hits.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Sometimes, there’s no shoveling your way out of bad weather. Make sure you’re prepared for getting snowed in by buying non-perishable foods, bottled water, batteries and flashlights, and firewood. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider purchasing a kerosene space heater for backup heat.

There’s a lot to accomplish before winter arrives. Hiring professionals for the big jobs helps homeowners get everything done in time so they can enjoy the winter season in comfort.

Image via Unsplash