mike@mikenorton.com

MIKE NORTONMIKE NORTON

Your Local Realtor

5625775021
mike@mikenorton.com
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5 Important Steps To Rehabbing A Home

Mission Style – classic curves and stucco walls – hand-painted ceramic tiles – there are a lot of things to love about an older home – even if it needs renovation. If you’re about to take the plunge and start rehabbing one, there are some steps that you must know. Before you start looking at swatches and paint samples, this is what you need to do:

 

A post shared by Seth Keena (@fitpropertyinspectors) on Aug 15, 2018 at 2:16pm PDT


Get a professional inspection.

Nothing will bring the reality like a home inspection by a qualified professional. Since California doesn’t require home inspectors to be licensed, it’s important that you check their credentials. Your real estate agent will be a good source for a referral. A certification from the California Real Estate Inspectors Association is an excellent qualification.

Your inspector will evaluate everything from structure to plumbing and heating systems. Don’t even think of starting the renovation process without consulting one.

 

A post shared by Extreme Service Llc (@extremeservicenj) on Aug 23, 2018 at 5:03am PDT


Choose your contractors with care

Once you’ve passed the inspection – hurrah!- you’ll want to screen your contractors with diligence. Find ones who are experienced with old homes. They’ll be able to save you money in the long run. There’s nothing like ripping out 25 feet of pipe when only the sink needed to be replaced. Ask about their portfolio of previous projects – an experienced home rehabbing contractor will be glad to share theirs.

 

A post shared by Julie (@ourlittlecraftsman) on Aug 29, 2018 at 9:38am PDT


Be ready to learn and build some sweat equity,

There are a lot of renovation projects that you can take on yourself. Things like painting, adding trim and hanging cabinets are within the skill sets of many homeowners. Since a good part of a successful home renovation is being onsite to supervise the contractors, why not pick up some new skills? There’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing a room you painted, or the thrill of mastering a nail gun. You’ll remember it long after the work crews have cleaned up and gone.

 

A post shared by Mark & Dino (@markanddino) on Aug 28, 2018 at 10:22am PDT


Be realistic about your budget.

With the help of the competent home inspector you hired at the beginning (nudge, nudge), you’ll have a clear vision of what needs to be done first. If you’re moving into the rainy season, roofing repairs are going to be a non-negotiable priority. Make sure you get multiple bids for each critical project, and then add on an additional 20% of your total budget as a reserve. That 20% will provide you with a cash cushion that can mean the difference between a house that you can live in from the outset, and an expensive money pit.

 

A post shared by SoHa Living Corona Del Mar (@sohalivingcdm) on Aug 29, 2018 at 6:10pm PDT


Don’t be afraid to window shop

One of the best sources of ideas for remodeling your older home is from – yes, other older homes! Hit up open houses in neighborhoods similar to yours, and see how those owners handled issues you’ll be addressing. Often, the sales sheet will list what has been done, and even the contractor who handled the work. You’ll get a notebook full of good ideas, and also some ideas of real DON’TS for your rehabbing project.

 

It’s easy to fall in love with an older home, but do it with your eyes open. Choose the right professionals to advise you upon and to implement your renovation needs. Be ready to put on the safety glasses and drive some nails. Take a deep breath and be realistic about your budget and priorities, And, take a break from the reconstruction chaos, and go out for some inspiration. This way, you’ll still love your house – and yourself –  when it’s all done.

 

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Mike Norton

mike@mikenorton.com
5625775021

KOHR GROUP REALTY

5222 E Los Altos Plaza
Long Beach, Ca 90815

Broker Lic#00975141

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