The home inspection should include the heating system, air-conditioning or HVAC system, interior plumbing, electrical system, the roof, the attic, any visible insulation, walls, ceilings, flooring, windows, doors, foundation, sewer line, and the basement. [2] X Research source If you are not a contractor, you should not conduct the inspection alone. Take pictures of everything during the inspection. Your inspector will typically take photos of problem areas for their records, but you should have documentation for your purposes, as well. The cost of an inspection depends on the size of the property. [3] X Research source
The checklist should be very detailed and describe everything that needs to be done to the property. [5] X Research source The inspection report can be used to generate the checklist.
Budget for unanticipated problems. These are bound to happen. New issues may arise once you begin the rehab process. If you plan to sell the property once rehabbing is finished, consider how much you will be able to sell the property for. [7] X Research source
Pre-screen questions should cover these considerations: A contractor’s experience: you want at least three years Equipment: a contractor should have his/her own equipment Employees: you want to see adequate support to complete the job Licensing: a contractor should be licensed by state or other local jurisdiction [9] X Research source Insurance: liability and worker’s compensation Subcontractor use: determine whether the contractor will be using subcontractors for the job Referrals: look for at least three positive referrals [10] X Research source Each contractor you’re interested in should submit a formal bid. Choose the contractor who fits your budget and demonstrates the ability to do a good job.
Set a timeline for completion once you have everything in place with the contractor. This will keep all involved parties accountable and on the same page.
Typical renovations that require a permit include installing new electrical wiring, expanding floor space, installing a fence over six feet tall, and anything that involves a public sewer line. Tasks such as installing a roof, putting in new flooring, painting, and replacing windows and doors usually will not require a permit. Your contractor can help you procure permits.
Fixing exterior issues first will draw less attention to the property while it is being rehabbed. [13] X Research source
Count the number of doors and windows you will need, and take measurements before you purchase the items. Measure very carefully. New entry doors are a nice way to change the look of a property and add value. [14] X Research source
Be careful if installing an outdoor air-conditioning unit before someone is occupying the property full-time. You do not want it to get stolen.
Walls should be cleaned before you start painting. Some painters lightly sand and clean a wall again after the primer is applied. Paint the walls using a V- or W-shaped stroke and avoid using a straight up-and-down motion. [19] X Research source
Lighting is a great way to change the look of a property and is relatively inexpensive compared to other repairs. Flooring may include vinyl or ceramic tile, hardwood, carpet, or laminate. [20] X Research source The flooring is installed later in the rehab process to avoid getting paint on the floor and to avoid damage from workers going in and out of the house. Because you want your floors to look fresh when you’re finished, you might consider doing the bulk of the interior work before installing flooring. At the very least, try to protect new flooring from heavy foot traffic during the inside work.
A final inspection is a good idea as well.
Determine how much sun your property gets before you buy plants. If there are many trees present, get plants that do not require a lot of sunlight. Speak to someone at a garden center about your ideas, and ask for suggestions about the type of plants that will work best for your property. Consider how much time your landscaping will require. If you do not have a lot of time to devote to the yard, look for low-maintenance options. If your windows are low, plant low-growing shrubs, trees and ground cover instead of taller plants. You do not want to obscure the view.
