What Repairs To Do First When Rehabilitating Homes

By Gavin J. King

Getting the ball rolling on any project often takes more energy than it should. When you do get things rolling you really want to be organized enough to keep up the pace. In the home rehabbing business, this seems to be common difficulty. Many times the most glaring issue that is wrong with a home is not easily discovered.

Creating a logical step by step repair plan with a time-line will help tremendously. If you have a contractor, consult him and set a deadline for repairs. Can you get this or that done is a set period of time? A month? Once this time-line is understood, make an effort to finish the project before or on the deadline.

Now you can start the demo. This is the phase that you remove all the old, antiquated parts or materials in the home. This can be as extensive as removing a wall or completely gutting a kitchen. This can be as simple as carpets and padding to removing lathe and plaster.

Now, it is time for the demolition. This is the stage where you clean the property. This can be as extensive as removing a wall or completely gutting a kitchen. This can be as simple as carpets and padding to removing lathe and plaster. You may even want to update the furnace or air conditioner. If these are still working, you can sell them to surplus shops or neighbors. The money can always go toward something in your own project. If the old paint needs to be scraped, then it will go as well.

Major repairs come next. Always plan on operating on a smaller budget than what you anticipate at first. That means you must prioritize repairs that will eat up most of your money. Anything structural must be taken care of first and by a licensed professional. After that you focus on the obvious cosmetic repairs. Structural repairs can be anything that is directly tied to the structure or support of the home and doesn't necessarily remain visible after completion.

The HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) will be carried out next. Plumbing and electrical systems must be updated if necessary. Completing your finish work is where you want to end up the process. Cosmetic changes may include updating light fixtures, new mop boards and any repainting that needs to be done. - 23311

About the Author:

The author enjoys writing articles about boise idaho real estate agent & reos in boise idaho. Click on the above links to learn more about these topics!