DIY Mistakes When Buying a Fixer Upper Home in Lakeland FL
Fixer upper homes for sale in Lakeland FL are usually offered at bargain-cheap prices, but that’s because they are called fixer-uppers for a reason. If you are not handy with a tool, then this is probably not the kind of property for you. And even if you are, you still need to be aware of the following potential mistakes that DIY homebuyers tend to commit when buying this type of house.
Find out what the applicable laws are.
Before buying a fixer upper house in Lakeland Florida, do make sure that you will be able to obtain the necessary permits to carry out your plans. In certain cases, you may not have the necessary funds or resources to acquire a permit. If so, what’s the point of buying when you won’t get permission to make the house habitable?
Plan each and every step of the way.
In fact, it’s best that you have a written and detailed plan of what you intend to do with the house for sale in Lakeland FL if you do manage to purchase it. Prepare a day-to-day list of activities so that you will know how much time you are going to spend on the job. Be realistic when working on your work calendar.
Once you’re done, ask yourself if the nature and scope of the work you’re committing to is something you are confident you will be able to complete till the very end. Is it?
Prepare your budget.
Money matters a lot when buying a fixer upper in Lakeland Florida. They may not cost much to buy, but they can definitely burn a hole in your pockets once you start on its repair and remodelling. Again, it’s best to prepare for this in advance. For every activity you have listed above, take note of the estimate amount you will spend on the task. How much money would all activities total to? Is it something you truly believe you can afford?
Do you have the necessary expertise and experience for the job?
Not all repairs and remodelling needed for redecorating your fixer upper can be achieved with just a hammer and nails. Some modifications, for instance, may require the use of power equipment that you are not familiar with. Other times you may need certification or license in plumbing or electrical engineering.
If you are not prepared to pay professional fees to get such jobs done then this is not the type of Lakeland FL house for you.