An Inconvincing Guide to Renovation for a First Time Home Buyer
This is the fourth part of our four-part series that provides tips and tricks for first-time home buyers in partnership with American Family Insurance . Check out part one , part two, and part three to find out more.
You bought your first home – congratulations! But that needs some work – oh no!
The first good news is that you are not alone. Fewer people these days are buying turnkey homes ideal for social media due to factors such as budget and low inventory levels. The housing market is now extremely competitive across the country, prompting many first-time home buyers to take on renovations – or homes that just need a little work. But renovations give you the ability to customize your home to your liking and can even add value to your home.
More good news: renovations don’t have to be scary. You can do a lot yourself. Here are expert tips to guide you through the renovation process, including DIY, what to leave to the pros, and how to get started.
Small teeth comb for your new home
That home inspector you hired to tell you what was wrong with your home before you bought it? Make them come back for a more detailed second examination.
“Pay them to do it again, this time with a list of what needs to be done and when they think it should be done. Ask them to number it for you. You now have a complete list of what you need to do and in what order, ”says Cristina Migeles, remodeling specialist at Fixr.com, who provides guidance on the costs of remodeling projects.
While such a check costs more than a pre-sale home inspection, it is well worth it for an expert attack plan.
With a plan in hand, you can budget. Study as many details as possible and investigate the possible costs of each item. Such details can help you gain additional clarity about what needs to be done now and what can be expected.
When budgeting, be aware that some renovations, such as installing smart home systems or replacing plumbing fixtures, may qualify you for discounts on your home insurance from carriers like American Family Insurance , freeing up funds for other Reno essentials.
Make the big choice first. You will feel great!
If your review reveals structural or system-wide things that need improvement, do so first. And, if you don’t have the skills or experience to do this, hire professionals – not only for plumbing and electricity, but also for roofing, foundation repairs, any work with gas lines, and even for replacing and installing most of the appliances.
“Working with 220 volt power lines and open gas lines is extremely dangerous,” says Ralph Severson, owner of Flooring Masters and Professional Remodelers. “There is a risk of electric shock, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. Call the professionals. “
Note: do it yourself
Fortunately, there are a few retrofit projects that can make a huge impact and that are also pretty easy to build yourself.
Painting is one of the do-it-yourself dramatic changes. With a little research and preparation, you can tackle entire rooms or even the exterior of your home.
Don’t have the budget or time to replace your kitchen cabinets? They can also be colored.
“A simple painting of the walls and cabinets, along with replacing cabinetry, can bring in a budget makeover. This can be easily done over the weekend, so your daily life is relatively unaffected, ”says Severson.
Removing the wallpaper is not difficult, but it takes a lot of time and mess. Applying new wallpapers requires precision, but they are easier to install with the types of wallpapers on the market today.
Feeling bold? Level up!
Some projects are a little more complex and are a great way to level up our DIY skills.
Experts agree that it is better to entrust floor repairs to professionals, although it is more convenient to do laminate, cork and bamboo with your own hands.
In the bathroom, you can paint the walls and cabinets or dilute the tile makeup grout. Replacing tiles can be challenging, especially in the shower, where mistakes in waterproofing can damage the structure of your home.
“My advice is to first tile the floors in the laundry room or in the porches. Lay out the kitchen backsplash tiles first. Learn how to work with tiles, how to cut tiles and use different products, ”says James Upton, Bathroom Renovator.
Lighting is another way to do it yourself. Just make sure you take the necessary precautions, including turning off the power to the room through your home’s electrical panel, do not touch anything in open lights until you test the area with a portable voltage tester, and insulate the connected wires with a wire. … caps.
“Few things will transform a room and build your confidence to renovate faster than choosing a lighting fixture that speaks to you and installing it yourself. This is the perfect quick DIY project and you can get it done on day one, ”says Chris Alexakis, certified construction contractor.
Don’t let the needs of your home renovation ruin your new home euphoria. Make a plan, trust the experts and become a master of your craft. You will have a home that you will love even more.
Your renovation – whether professionally or entirely by yourself – can add significant value to your home, so be sure to update your homeowners insurance policy. Fortunately, creating an insurance policy that is as unique as your home is easier than ever with American Family’s online homeowner insurance tool .
Marla Caceres is a freelance writer at G / O Media Studios .
This post is a sponsor of a collaboration between American Family Insurance and G / O Media Studios .