A Blueprint for Fixer-Uppers

Turn "Needs Work" Into "Nice Work"

If you're someone who loves the challenges of DIY home projects, you may be thinking about choosing a fixer-upper for your next home. The property might look outdated now, but you can make it your dream home with the right plan.

Build Your Dream Team
First things first — getting the right people on your side can make all the difference. From your real estate agent to a seasoned contractor and a home inspector with a sharp eye, your team will help uncover any hidden issues so you can avoid surprise costs. Their combined knowledge and skills can assist you in creating your future home.

Start with the Essentials
It's tempting to rush right into choosing paint colors, fixtures and flooring, but you'll thank yourself later for prioritizing the home's structure and interior systems first. Inspecting the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC may seem tedious, but those are the essentials that will keep your house safe and sound for years to come.

Get Smart About Financing
Need help funding the transformation? Renovation loans let you combine a mortgage with repair costs. This can be a sensible option for homes needing more than a little bit of polish.

Strategize Every Move
Map out your vision in detail, including your must-haves, nice-to-haves, budget, and timeline. Also, recognize that living in a construction zone is not for everyone. If you can stay elsewhere during major work, you'll likely keep your project — and your peace of mind — in check.

Embrace the Chaos
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, but staying flexible, communicative and proactive makes a huge difference. Keep your vision in sight, expect hiccups along the way and celebrate the progress.