When looking to buy a home, you are likely juggling a lot of things in your head at the same time. Like budgeting to see if you can find your dream property in the perfect location or keeping a checklist of what you need, want, and want in a home. In many ways, you've likely changed your expectations about buying a home, positive, neutral, or negative. Maybe a worn-out home wasn't on your list originally, or maybe it was. Either way, buying a home that needs extra upkeep can be an enriching and rewarding experience knowing what to look for.
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for real estate.
1. The quality of the roof
When buying a home, the roof is important. Does the color look faded or worn? If you can see organic growth like moss or mold, you could be in trouble! This is usually a clear indicator that a roof replacement may be needed, especially if the shingles are curling. It is important that you take a good look at the structure before considering buying the property. Another good idea is to examine the condition of the roofs in the area to see what others in the community are doing.
2. Load-bearing walls and their location
If you are buying a home that needs work, you are likely looking forward to any changes you can make. The hope is to fix it so that it fits your vision. It is important to have an idea of what you want, but be careful not to overtake your logic as you search. By this we mean to stay open as the location of the load-bearing walls may not get you exactly the look you are looking for. When dealing with a load-bearing wall, your options are limited. These walls will be the most difficult and expensive to tear down.
3. Asbestos or black mold
Buying an older property or property that needs some work is a wonderful experience. However, due to age, you need to watch out for unhealthy bacteria growing in the property. When searching potential homes, look out for common signs of asbestos or black mold. Make sure you look in darker areas like basements or closets. Sometimes they're easy to spot, sometimes the home requires a professional inspection.
4. The state of the foundation
No matter how much work you do on a house that is imperfect, it will all collapse without the right foundation. Whenever possible, when looking at properties, you should look through the exterior and creep area. Check out the quality of the soil around the property. Do you see moisture or grittiness? From here, you can tell if the house is worth the price.
Beautify the property to make your dreams come true
Once you've settled on the idea of buying a house that needs some work, the pieces are easy to put together. Keep your eyes, ears and your heart open for a property in the right place, regardless of the initial state. When you consider these key factors when looking for real estate, you will be pleasantly surprised by the options available to you. As you prepare to buy the house that needs a little love, make sure your heart is in it. Also, be ready to get involved in the work because it will be worth it!
