Whether you’re a first time buyer or moving up the property ladder, you might want to carry out improvements to make your new place feel more like home. From small projects to grand transformations, it’s natural to want to put your own stamp on your new property. But to prevent your dream home from becoming a nightmare renovation, you can protect yourself by following a few key steps.
Foundation
When buying a home you should always opt for the home inspection. It’s especially crucial if you’re thinking of making any changes to the building. Signs of foundation damage are not easily spotted by the inexpert eye and issues can arise regardless of the age of the home.
Even when viewing a house, look for some tell-tale signs before considering an offer: cracks in exterior and interior walls or floors, gaps around windows and doors, or doors that stick. You should be especially vigilant in areas prone to drainage problems or known soil issues. Foundation issues are a serious problem for any homeowner and while they are usually fixable, the cost of repairs can spiral out of control quickly. So make sure you always seek expert advice.
Electrical
Your home’s electrical system dictates not only your comfort but your physical safety. If you’re thinking of updating anything that runs on the electricity circuit in your home (even something as small as a light fitting can sometimes uncover problems) it’s best to hire an electrician first to make sure the basics are in good condition first. This is not just an issue reserved for older properties, so regardless of the house you’re buying consult with a local contractor or electrician.
Plumbing
While home inspections are the normally part of the buying process, it’s usually only after you’ve completed the purchase that new homeowners are able to get a really good idea of how the plumbing is functioning. Consider asking a plumber to carry out their own inspection before you make an offer. Plumbing issues can be costly to fix, let alone cause substantial damage to the rest of the house if left unchecked.
Load-Bearing Walls
Load-bearing walls have been the downfall of many renovation projects. With the increasing popularity of open-plan living, removing or moving walls in a house is a project that can greatly improve your enjoyment of your home. But not every wall is moveable, at least not without considerable cost and hassle.
Here is what some professional contractors told Houzz about accessing the walls of a home:
“An experienced general contractor can do an initial consultation and assess your wall for as little as $100, says builder Jeff Andreson.
But an architect is probably the best bet. “They might have a different way of approaching the situation that may not require taking as much wall out, which can save you money,” says architect Jeffrey Veffer. Removing an entire wall may completely change the character of a space, he says, so keeping parts of the wall might be in your best interest. A structural engineer may also be required.”
Contact Michigan Lender, Julie Krumholz
Buying a home on your own is no easy task, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Consult with an experienced Michigan mortgage lender to help you navigate through every step of the process.
Julie Krumholz has over 30 years experience in the mortgage industry. She has worked in underwriting, quality control, processing, closing and loan origination. Her comprehensive background allows her to advise clients with unusual expertise.
Contact Julie Krumholz Today: 586-382-5482
