Top Home Services for Your Fixer-Upper

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Top Home Services for Your Fixer-Upper

In Frozen, the trolls claim that Cristoff is a bit of a fixer-upper. While Anna disagrees, there is no doubt that she would’ve been more than happy to make updates to any house they could’ve afforded on an ice seller’s salary. If you are considering doing the same, keep reading for a few quick ideas on renovations you can tackle yourself and ones that are best left to those that are licensed, bonded, and insured.

South Shore Plumbing Company is happy to share this and other informational posts to make our clients’ lives easier.

Aesthetics

For the most part, any updates that you make that only affect the appearance of your home are great candidates for a DIY experience. These might include:

• Painting requires very little skill but lots of patience and attention to detail. More than just changing the appearance, the coating on your walls can even make your house look cleaner. Real Simple notes that flat paints are best if you need something that can be easily touched up and scrubbed.

• Changing hardware. There are few things that can date home faster than the hardware on the cabinets and doors that was super trendy 10 years ago.
• This is an easy update, and you can find drawer pulls, knobs, and other accents online to match any taste or style.

Systems

When it comes to your home’s major systems, get ready to pull out your credit card. Anything that can affect your family’s safety and security should not be left to you, YouTube, and enthusiasm.

Two of your home’s systems that require a pro are:

• The roof. Your home’s roofing system does more than make the house look good from the street. It’s what protects your house from overhead elements, such as rain and snow. Minnesota-based Garlock-French Roofing asserts that roofing requires expertise and experience. Plus, hiring a professional means you won’t risk falling off a ladder.

• The HVAC system is what keeps your home comfortable and reduces moisture in the air. And it’s dangerous to try and fix it yourself. In addition to the risk of electrocution, tinkering with your air conditioner may void the warranty.

• The upkeep of your home’s plumbing systems is essential. In addition to the potential for flooded areas from burst pipes, hidden or undetected leaks behind walls can lead to seriously unhealthy ramifications like mold.
• Call on South Shore Plumbing Company for inspection services or repairs of any kind.

Before You Buy

When you’re buying your first home, keep in mind your long-term plans. If you plan to eventually turn it into a short-term rental or long-term lease, look for updates that will appeal to both you and others. (If this is your goal, don’t forget to set yourself up as a legal business with an EIN so that you can take advantage of tax deductions and professional protections.)

Buying also means getting familiar with the good, the bad, and the ugly as it pertains to your credit.

You’ll have to have plenty of money to put down. In most cases, 10% to 20% is preferable; although, you may be able to get into a home with less depending on your credit score and loan program.

Most importantly, partner with a real estate firm that knows the area and will walk you through the process with patience and understanding.

Buying your first house is a major milestone, and you’ll be glad to have an experienced partner by your side.

Your agent can also help you look for homes that fit your budget after factoring in both sale price and potential updates needed.

When you’re finally ready to make the leap to homeownership, do so with the future in mind.

This means knowing what you can handle and what needs to be outsourced to a professional.

Don’t forget that your agent is your most valuable asset throughout the home buying process. They can help you avoid major mistakes that will prevent turning your dream home into a nightmare.

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