What to Do After Renovating Your New Fixer-Upper
Your home is an extension of who you are. A safe haven and expression of personality. A home is also an investment that will impact you for the rest of your life. Some homes have history, culture, and memories that want to live forever. Occasionally, these homes need a little TLC to preserve their history and make them enjoyable for the current occupants. Whether you are doing a major remodel on your own home, or purchasing a fixer-upper, there are steps that must be completed after the renovation is finished. This article will discuss what to do after renovating your new fixer-upper.
Do a Final Walk-Through
A final walkthrough of your home gives you an opportunity to scrutinize every detail of the project. This is an essential step in your customer satisfaction. If you find things out of place that need a finishing touch, your contractor should be happy to complete it for you.
Things to look for include dents or chips in the flooring and walls. Make sure every light switch and electrical outlet works. Make sure all smoke detectors and alarm systems are running. Check to see that water, water pressure, and your HVAC system is running properly. Your final walkthrough should be detailed. Don’t settle for anything less than perfect.
Get an Inspection
Every home should have an inspection done before you move in. Even if it is a new home or newly remodeled home. The seller may provide inspection results of their own, but you are entitled to ask for your own independent party inspection. An inspector will compile a list of all potential and current problems. These issues should be brought up with your contractor who will either fix or discount the cost of the renovation. An inspector can also give you a repair timeline to help you anticipate future costs.
Update Your Homeowners Insurance
A home renovation is a great way to build value in your home. Once your home renovations are completed, it is important to update your insurance policy. Whether you need to increase your insurance after renovating depends on the coverage you already have in place and the value of your renovation. Insurance rate is determined by the home’s square footage and the cost required to rebuild or fix it. An increase in home value will increase the cost of your home insurance. While the initial cost may seem pointless, the coverage will be much more secure if anything unfortunate does happen.
Plan a Housewarming Party
Moving into a home can be a stressful experience. Packing, moving, and unpacking is a lot of work! It is likely that friends, family, and neighbors have all lent a hand in your moving process. Celebrate your new home by inviting people close to you to a housewarming party. At your party you can serve simple finger foods. Bamboo skewers enhance the presentation of your food and can impress guests. Food and drinks will go a long way in helping you and your guests have a good time.
Do a Deep Clean
Even when your home has a fresh remodel, there is a lot of debris that can be left behind. Before you get your furniture and decorations put in place, it is important to do a deep clean. This is one of the few times where you will be able to reach every nook and cranny. Clean ceilings, baseboards, appliances, flooring, and anything else you can reach. Hire a professional or take the time to do it yourself. Cleaning every space will sanitize your home, get rid of left-over allergens, and prepare the space for your future life.
Consult an Interior Designer
A major part of enjoying the efforts of your fixer-upper is the design process. Turning a neglected home into a modern beauty is an accomplishment. Your house decorations and furniture should reflect the home’s new style. Ask a professional interior designer to help you pick the interior styling of your home. Avoid trendy pieces that could look outdated next season. Try mixing old and new pieces together for a seamless transition and budget friendly design. Interior design in every space will complete your picturesque remodel. Express yourself through the craftsmanship and design perspective in your home.
Get an Updated Quote
Homes deteriorate overtime and their value decreases accordingly. A fixer-upper is renovated with the intent of increasing the home’s livability and value. The ultimate reason for any remodeling project is to enjoy living in an updated home. Remodeling projects often have a return on investment that the owner can expect. These payback estimates are based on the residential real estate market at the time and the average cost of construction.
Following completion, hire a professional appraiser to determine the updated value of your home. Knowing the home’s value will help you evaluate what you can afford. A quote will help in determining insurance premiums. It will also assist you in determining the right listing price if you decide to sell.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Every home, new or old, needs maintenance. Part of being a good homeowner is performing regular maintenance. Maintenance includes necessary repairs, cleanings, and checks to make sure everything is functioning properly. When you are diligent with making repairs, you prolong the life and value of your home. The cost of repairs will be much less than letting a problem fester and cause major problems down the road. Depending on the agreement with your contractor, there may be some repairs that they cover the first few years following renovation. Put money back into your investment by staying consistent with maintenance. This will enhance the life and durability of your renovation.
Every home should be unique to the owner. A fixer-upper plays with combining history and modern lifestyles. Once you’ve completed the renovations, make it truly unique. Take ownership of your new space, get the proper protections, and break in your home with a housewarming party. Following these steps after a renovation will make the transition seamless.
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