Could You Take On An Unloved Property?

Lots of people have been finding happiness and purpose in modernizing old, unloved properties. This kind of project isn’t for the faint-hearted, though. It takes a lot of time and hard physical work to bring a tired home back up to standard. But it’s a great way to get on the property ladder. Or you might choose a doer-upper as a way to become a landlord.

Purchasing a home that hasn’t been taken care of before is a big commitment. If you bought it from your local authority, you might be legally bound to bring it up to standard within a set period of time. It may be a great way to purchase real estate at a minimal cost. But if you can’t do the work, it could cost you more in the long term to contract people in.

Before you buy a property that needs work, it’s best to have a survey undertaken. This will reveal any structural problems that you may be facing. Structural problems usually have to be managed by professional engineers and builders. This is time-consuming and very expensive. However, if the place just needs a good clean up and redecoration, you may be able to tackle this work by yourself.

Start by assessing what needs to be done to make the property desirable again. Add up the costs for everything you can think of. Once you have added this to the purchase costs, you’ll be able to see if it is worth doing. When you have completed the sale agreement, it’s time to start work. Are you planning to rent the property out? Every day it’s empty, it costs you rental income!

Start by repairing any damage you can find. You may need to remove mess or find ways to remove graffiti. You should also thoroughly check the plumbing and wiring for safety. If you need to replace anything, like doors, windows, or skirting boards, try to purchase them all at once. You may be able to save on bulk buys at your DIY store. Once you have your tools and paint to hand, it’s time to get started.

YouTube and other websites can offer a wealth of helpful advice on how to tackle some of the most common DIY tasks you might have. Most people learn as they go. But if you’re not sure, why not ask a professional to come and tackle one of your rooms? You can learn a lot from watching them work and asking questions. Then you’ll be ready to take on the rest of the property yourself.

One of the last jobs people take on is tidying the garden. Removing the weeds and cutting back bushes and shrubs is hard work. You also need to consider how you will dispose of the garden refuse. Can you burn it, or take it somewhere nearby? You may need to install a patio or some decking to make the garden area more practical for potential occupants.

Buying a house that needs a lot of work could save you a lot of money. But it could also become a money pit if you don’t know what you’re doing. Start small, and soon you could be a pro!