Since the financial downturn, many houses were left empty after foreclosure. More and more people are buying these houses live as a lower cost entry into the property market or turn-over investment.
Of course, many of these homes have been left empty for months, if not years, and some may suffer significant damage to their interiors have. A house can get back in top shape more than just cosmetic changes. Below are some tips on what to look out for and how to renovate these homes.
Water Damage – houses that have left without maintenance for years could leak left untended for long periods of time. These problems can occur in obvious ways much more subtle or show signs of damage. Consult with a water damage professional who can assess the interior of a house and makes recommendations on necessary repairs.
Locks on a Home – Change or rekey any lock in the home. This is a no-brainer when buying a new home, but you would be surprised how many people forget to do this when the transfer from owner to owner is not as immediate.
Keep the heat work – even if you leave a house unoccupied during a remodel or while you wait for a buyer, you will never want to leave the warmth during the cold months. Save money on your heating bills will not make a difference if a pipe bursts and you are in a multi-thousand dollar repair.
