6 Things To Check Before Buying Your First Fixer Upper

Tune in to almost any HGTV show and you’ll see episode after episode of people flipping houses and making some serious bucks. You can make a pretty penny by taking a run-down property that no one on the market wants and turning it into someone’s dream home. 

But before you sign your name on the dotted line, there are a few things in your fixer-upper home you need to check. Here are six common problem areas in old houses that could make flipping it for a profit more costly than you’d first think. 

The Roof

Replacing a leaky and deteriorating roof can be one of the most expensive renovations for people who want to flip a property. Roofs usually last up to 25 years before they start to break down—if your fixing up an old home, you’ll want to check how old the roof is and when the last roof inspection was done. If you buy a home with a damaged roof, you can spend on average up to $40,000 for a new roof.

Some signs your potential fixer upper will need extensive repairs include:

• Loose or missing shingles

• Smooth shingles

• Curled shingles

• Moisture in the attic or ceiling

• Cracked or rusting flashing

You’ll also want to see whether or not the current homeowner’s roof warranty will transfer to the new owners after the purchase—some people assume it automatically does but that’s not always the case. 

The Plumbing

Water damage is one of the worst issues that potential homeowners can find in their prospective property since it’s hard to tell just how serious the damage actually is at first glance. If there is a significant plumbing leak, a clogged pipe and plumbing vent, or overflowing drains, there could be a much more serious issue with the home’s entire plumbing system. It could cost thousands of dollars to fully replace the faulty plumbing, leaving you in the red for the rest of the renovation. 

Make sure your home inspector or plumber checks for these common plumbing issues: 

1. Broken thermostats

2. Rusty pipes

3. Clogged sewer line

4. Polybutylene or polyethylene piping

5. Galvanized pipes

6. Sediment build-up

The Flooring

One of the first things home inspectors do is search for signs of wood rot and insect damage. Carpenter bees, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and termites destroy wood, making the flooring structurally unsound and can force new homeowners to cash up for entirely new flooring if they buy before having it carefully inspected. 

Prospective buyers can quickly inspect the flooring by using their feet to detect any weak, soft spots in the wood—this is a clear indication that there is internal structural damage. If there is also a moldy or musty smell coming from the flooring, this could also be a sign of wood rot. The National Institute of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors can inspect your floors before you buy to make sure there aren’t serious issues that could be dangerous in the near future.

Gas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon—a radioactive and carcinogenic gas that is difficult to detect since it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Even if the home has been tested for radon in the past, it’s a good idea to do another test before you close any deal. The test results only take a couple of days to be processed and can make your entire renovation happen without having to worry about faulty gas pipes leaking noxious gas into your home. 

Asbestos

Fixer-upper homes are often built before 1980—making the presence of asbestos extremely likely. Asbestos was a common home insulation material for many years until it was found to be hazardous to human health. Even old floor tiles, paint, and roofing materials were made with asbestos. Thankfully, asbestos is only harmful if it’s released into the air, so undamaged asbestos doesn’t pose a threat. 

Home sellers can still sell a home if it has asbestos, but they need to fully disclose it before selling or else they run the risk of being sued. If you’re considering buying a home that has asbestos, you can remove it, but most home inspectors recommend simply containing it rather than fully removing it and risking it becoming airborne. 

Electrical Wiring

Problems with a home’s electrical distribution system is the fourth most common cause of home fires. It’s important to check a house’s electrical wiring before buying a home—if there are significant safety issues it could cost upwards of $30,000 to rewire the entire home depending on the size of the house the extent of the repairs. At that point, it may be more cost-effective to keep searching for a different property.

Some common electrical concerns to have checked by a home inspector or electrician include:

• Exposed wiring and splices

• Painted outlets

• Improperly modified electrical panels

• No GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection

• Aluminum wiring

• Reversed polarity

• Double-tapping of circuit breakers

Tips for getting organized during an interstate move

The thought of moving cross-country into a brand-new home that feels like the right fit for you is undoubtedly exciting. You can't help but fantasize about your life in it, and you do it long before you've even begun the transition. However, it's not all rainbows and sunshine when it comes to your new life. Before you can start the next chapter, you must deal with the relocation process. Planning and executing it is not simple, but it's still manageable. At the end of the day, it all comes down to getting organized during an interstate move. But how exactly can you accomplish that? You can start by following the tips we have compiled here.

How to get organized during a long-distance move?

Moving long-distance doesn't have to be a daunting task. You can majorly simplify it through some careful planning. Knowing what steps to take and taking them on time will spare you the headache during transport and make the unpacking less unnerving. The good thing is that getting organized during an interstate move isn't all that hard. There is an order to it that, when stuck to, can even turn the whole experience into one worth remembering.

Begin preparations as early as possible

The key to a successful long-distance relocation lies in dealing with preparations early. You can't expect your relocation to go smoothly if you deal with everything last minute. Instead of handling problems on the go, devise a moving plan as early as possible. Some say four weeks prior to the move is the ideal time to start preparing. However, you will likely need even more time as you will have to deal with things such as:

• Decluttering

• Cleaning

• Packing

• Paperwork

Once you've determined the right time to begin organizing the cross-country move, you can start getting into details. Make a list of all the things you need to complete before "the day" comes and keep it handy to make sure you stay on schedule. As far as writing everything down goes, you can either do it the old-fashioned way on a piece of paper or through an app. The choice is entirely yours.

Decide on a budget

A budget is a huge factor that can majorly impact the entirety of your move. It's the size of your wallet that decides things such as whether to handle the relocation on your own or hire professionals to do it for you. Being aware of just how much money you've got at your disposal can help you plan your expenses in a more efficient way.

Should you do it yourself or hire professional movers?

This is something you must figure out on your own. However, before you make up your mind, remember that DIY moves take longer, they are a lot more stressful, and the risk for injuries is significantly higher. On the other hand, they are more affordable and can be successfully tackled with the help of friends and family. When it comes to professional movers, they have the necessary tools and the know-how to provide adequate assistance in this process. Choosing residential movers for the task is almost exclusively a better option. If you can afford them, that is.

Get organized by dealing with clutter

The key to staying on track with your interstate relocation is to declutter before you start packing. People have a habit of hoarding unnecessary items, and you don't want this habit to transfer to your new home. The goal is for it to remain neat and organized for as long as possible. That's why selecting what to keep and what to get rid of is essential. Instead of simply throwing out what you don’t need anymore, opt for selling or donating. If you are tight on money, the first option could really help with the finances. However, if money isn't an issue, consider donating your belongings to a thrift store or charity.

Keep important documentation in one place

Chances are, when your relocation process begins, you'll be met with a ton of paperwork. Deeds, bills, legal, and medical documents, you name it! Keeping track of everything with paperwork scattered all around is really difficult. To avoid the mess and ensure you are getting organized during an interstate move, keep the documentation in one place. Depending on the number of documents you have, a folder, a binder, or a box will do the trick.

Pack smart

What many wish they knew while relocating was that packing smart is achievable without much effort. With enough time, the right strategy, and the right supplies, the whole process can be a breeze. Of course, it's also important to know where to start, as you can't just pack your items in random order. The rule of thumb is to start with items you don't use as often and leave the frequently used ones for the end. Packing things room by room might also be a good idea. You can even assign a color to each room and color code your boxes accordingly. And don't forget to label the boxes! This will save you some precious time and prevent you from frantically searching for what you need.

Prepare an emergency bag

Getting organized during an interstate move implies keeping essential items at hand. You will want to prepare a bag with everything you'll need during the transport. That includes food, water, medication, toiletries, and documents. If you are moving with children, don't forget that keeping their favorite toys or blankets on hand will significantly ease the transition, as well.

8 Common Water Leaks at Home and How to Fix Them

A water leak can be one of the most serious problems in your plumbing system if left neglected. Many homes right now are vulnerable to water loss and a higher water bill because of unnoticed leakage. It may seem that a simple leak will not harm your home, however, it can lead to bigger problems in the future. This is because a water leak can seriously damage the structure of your home, at the same time, stimulate an unfavorable bacterial or fungal growth leading to illness.  

As long as the water is contained in pipes, your home can run efficiently as it should be. While some leaks are discoverable such as dripping faucets and showerheads, unfortunately, many leaks are undetectable because of your complicated pipework. Moreover, water can also seep into the cracks of your bathroom walls or ceiling. Thus,  when it comes to water leakage, you need to know the basics so that you can protect your home from potential damage. Luckily, there are ways to prevent such leaks in your home, and one of them is to take advantage of a waterproofing system, especially bathroom waterproofing. Your local plumbing service can do the job for you.

1. Advanced Pipe Corrosion

No matter how expensive your piping system is, it is a fact that pipes can eventually deteriorate and wear out. In the long run, corrosion will damage your home’s piping system, creating little crack for water to seep out. This can usually happen in homes that have already existed for decades. To prevent this leakage, you need to check for discoloration in your pipes. If this happens, you need to seek the help of a professional plumber. Likewise, if the pipes are already old and too corroded, a new piping system must be installed immediately.

2. Seals Your Water Connectors Are Broken

Seals are placed on water connectors when you installed appliances in your home. Wear and tear is one reason for broken and damaged seals, hence, resulting in water condensation on or near your appliances. 

3. Clogged Drain Lines

Clogged lines can be very problematic especially if you find yourself caught in a bursting pipeline. This is usually caused by air obstruction in your drain pans or your gutter. In this case, you need to make sure that your HVAC system is clean and gutters free from clogs in order to save your home from damage. 

4. Damaged Pipe Joints

Damaged pipes are also one of the things that you need to consider fixing or replacing. Over time, pipe joints become prone to deterioration which will eventually cause leaks. The problem with pipes is that they are not easy to check because most of them are either installed underground or between walls. Moreover, you will know that your pipe joints may have become damaged because of a ticking sound coming out whenever you turn on the shower. To prevent this, seek the assistance of your local plumber to check your piping system once a year. 

5. Loose Water Connector

Leaks are also caused by loose water connectors between your appliances and water supply. This can usually happen in appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. For instance, a loose connection between the water hose and the dishwasher may result in water flooding your floor. Similarly, a loose water connection can also happen while using your washing machine. If you are seeing water puddles near your appliance, there is a big chance that you have a water connector leak. Hence, it is important to check for loose connections before using your appliances in order for you to prevent water loss.

6. High Water Pressure

You should always remember that excessive water pressure can damage your pipes. With constant pressure, water will eventually seep out and cause leaks. Furthermore, because pipes have a pressure threshold, your pipes may potentially burst, and you might end up paying a large amount of money for the repair and replacement. If you are having doubts or suspecting any concern about your water pressure, contact a professional to check your water system. 

7. Water Supply Line Leaks

The main water supply line is also prone to leakage. It is almost impossible to check the pipes because they are buried underground. However, you first check your meter if its box contains water. If this is not due to rain or an irrigation source, then this is an indication of water leakage. This happens when the leaking water travels between pipes and back to the meter. Moreover, water leakage from the supply line may enter your house and cause flooding. In this case, you should refrain from fixing your main water supply leakage. Instead, call a professional for a complete repair.

8. Incorrect Pipe Laying

Homeowners must be very meticulous when it comes to the installation of a piping system. Incorrect pipe laying is a serious cause of any water leak and must be fixed by a professional plumber. Fixing the pipes on your own might lead to costly repairs and replacement.

How to Ensure a Smooth Home Buying Transaction

Are you planning to buy a new home? Purchasing a property is both a major emotional and financial experience. Whether it’s your first home or newest property addition, you probably know that it’s not always a smooth transition. Complications and setbacks may occur without notice. 

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, here are 7 tips to help you make your home buying transaction easier and smoother.

1. Get your finances in order.

What, where and when can you buy a home will be dictated by your financial capabilities. It’s a must that you get your finances in order so you can work out on what you can realistically afford monthly. Your loans and other credit cards must have updated balances, and you should know your current income and expenditure.

Sometimes it will take a financial adviser, your bank and even a mortgage broker to go through all of this. You should consider asking for their help because a mortgage is a major expense. Unless you got a lot in your account, know you’re borrowing capacity first before starting a home buying transaction.

2. Determine and plan for all the associated costs.

When it’s your first time buying a home, you may be unaware of the costs associated with acquiring a property. Even if an offer has already been accepted, additional costs may still come up unexpected. Some of these are inspections, appraisals, closing costs, moving fees, lawyer fees and property taxes. Make sure that you have cushioned your budget to accommodate all of these and that you have planned for your financial commitments, both long-term and one-off payments.

3. Put together your documents.

Bank statements, tax returns, asset statements, pay stubs and other pertinent documents should be prepared even before looking for a house to buy. It takes time to get these documents that are usually needed to verify your finances during a mortgage application. When you have them ready, your loan can be possibly processed and approved faster. You can ask your local bank or a mortgage broker to know the documents you need to prepare if you’re not yet familiar with them.

4. Prepare for moments of crisis.

You already know that it will not always be an easy transaction. There can be crisis moments that may come at any stage. It may be during your loan application, the day of inspection or on your closing disclosure. You may suddenly run out of liquid capital to put down on your new house, your credit score is unacceptable, or you can’t get your documents on time.

As a buyer, you should be prepared for all of these hurdles that may come your way. Aside from the contingency clause that should be part of your mortgage contract, you should also create contingency plans for whatever possible situation you can think of.

5. Work with an experienced agent.

During your moments of crisis, having the right agent to guide you is important. May it be emotional or logistical, an experienced agent by your side will help you go through your transactions smoothly. He will let you know the ins and outs of the homebuying process. 

So when you’re trying to find a new home, you should also find a conveyancer in Sydney that you can trust and you are comfortable with. It’s someone who can help you get to the finish line of home-buying. You can ask your friends and families about their experience if they just recently purchased a property. Word of mouth is surely effective in knowing about trusted agents in your area.

6. Schedule a home inspection.

Before you finalize your purchase, you need to have it inspected to make sure it’s in a good condition. A home inspection usually happens when you reach an agreement with the seller and sign off on the final contract, which should also be before the closing date in the contract. This inspection and appraisal of the house will allow you to address possible issues and renegotiate your offer. It makes you a more informed buyer and saves you money by identifying potential money pits.

A home inspection will also confirm whether a house is the one you’re dreaming of.

7. Review the Closing Disclosure. 

Before your loan closes, the lender will give you a Closing Disclosure, usually three days before the scheduled closing. It’s a form that outlines the final terms and costs of your mortgage. It’s no more an approximate but the actual number you would pay.

To review this form, you may want to compare it with the loan estimate and check for accuracy. It’s important to double-check and ask questions about the information written on it because it can spell disaster if left uncorrected. Check for your name spellings, address, interest rate and loan amounts. There might be some missing pages also. Make sure to resolve issues with your lender prior to settlement.