This Old House....Remodel

TJ Harvey
by TJ Harvey
Buying an old house and tackling a full house remodel. What you need to know.
This Old House!


For many of us that is a way of life. We have chosen the path less traveled and bought an old house. Or we sat around watching Flip or Flop, This Old House and Fixer Upper and are just anxious to find a diamond in the rough and make it our own. Then some do it for financial reasons. Buying the worst house a real "Fixer Upper" in a great neighborhood. Some of us do it because we love the architecture, and unique qualities that come with an older home. Whatever the reason you should think before you leap.


My best advice for anyone buying an older home. It isn't for the faint of heart or for everyone.


1. Do your homework! Before you buy the money pit and have no idea what you got yourself into know what you are buying. Homes that are 50, 75 and 100+ years old do come with charm but they can also come with expensive problems. Not every house is worth saving just because it has amazing plaster moldings! Sentimental and love at first sight can not be the deciding factors that make you buy a home. GET AN INSPECTION. I don't care how much charm the home has. Get it inspected. Know what you are buying. You can't live in a home that hasn't had it's wiring kept up to code, it's plumbing is failing and the foundation is ready to crumble. Have a thorough inspection even if you are buying the home AS IS.


This lets you know what you are facing and where the biggest costs are.


2. Have a budget. No matter how much you love that old house you need to be realistic. Most of us don't have buckets of money lying around. Know the AS IS appraisal value and the projected appraisal with repairs. Make sure you aren't over spending on the project. You don't want to be upside down in a home. It is the biggest investment for most Americans. Set a budget leaving 10-15% contingencies for unexpected expenses and keep your all in purchase and remodel budget at 80% of the final appraisal value of the home. This will insure that you are upside right on your home. You will be proud of the finished product and living in a home you love without the stress of being house poor.
Create an idea folder of styles, finishes and elements you would like in your home...
Respect unique elements in the home. Like an attic room.


Please read my blog for more tips and advice.
TJ Harvey
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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 2 comments
  • Jason Davis Jason Davis on Mar 03, 2016
    Wahh.. Great design, Ireally can imagine how the home is looking like. Last year I designed a dreamhome with the care of home builder’s service known as Action Construction Co.Inc. This was really awesome with inexpensive price. I am happy with my dreamhome.
  • TJ Harvey TJ Harvey on Mar 03, 2016
    That's great, Jason! Watching dreams come true is always a great feeling!
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