Turning A Dilapidated House Into A Dream Home

Turning A Dilapidated House Into A Dream Home-Chispa MagazineThere are a thousand and one things to love about new-built houses. They are simple, clean, efficient, and don’t have any hidden surprises. The windows don’t leak; the floorboards don’t squeak, and the garden is ready to have a personality injected into it.

Sometimes, though, new builds can seem a little bit… well, soulless. A house with a history is a house steeped in human emotion. They might not be as classy or worthy of a magazine spread, but bringing a house back from the brink of disrepair is immensely satisfying.

There’s also the price to consider. A newer build, with all of its shiny new surfaces, is going to cost more. If you want more space for your buck and don’t mind a little bit of extra work, a renovation project can be the making of you. With a lower initial investment, they’re perfect if you’re struggling for a mortgage amount to accommodate the size you want. When you buy used and in disrepair, you can spend less up front and add and improve when needed.

That’s not to say there are not hidden dangers to buying a house in a poor state. Here’re a few crucial questions to ask yourself, and ideally the buyer, before signing on the dotted line.

Question One: Why Is It So Cheap?
You’re going to need to know what got the house into a bad state, to begin with. Ask for honesty with the seller; the more you know, the more you can do about it.

Question Two: Can I Fix It?
Be realistic. It’s easy to look at walls in need of skimming and assume you can do it, but doing that is an occupation all of its own. Maybe you’re handy and can do everything you want to, or maybe you’ll need a little bit of help. Make sure you figure any professional work you might require into your future budget.

Question Three: It Is Susceptible To Natural Issues?
The major one to consider is flooding. Living near water is a dream for many, but it does have its downsides. Don’t be put off if you’re dealing with the aftermath of a flood, and this has contributed to the house falling into disrepair. Hire the professionals to ensure it’s sound, and use Water Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation Services to get it looking its best.

When you have identified if you can fix the existing problem, then look at ways you can mount flood defenses to prevent occurrences. Don’t be immediately put off; the flood risk should be reflected in the price, and can make a house a real steal.

Question Four: Is It Safe?
The older a house is, the more likely it is not to be up to code. You don’t want to be knocking down walls and then discovering there’s asbestos in them. Consult a professional to ensure nothing about your vintage beauty is going to damage your health.

If you receive satisfactory answers to those questions, then the adventure of a lifetime could be about to begin.

Photo by Nolan Issac

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Romina Nabhen

Romina Nabhen

Lifestyle Director at Chispa Magazine
Bilingual influencer, spokesperson, panelist, and on-air personality, Romina Nabhen is internationally recognized as a Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty Expert. She has over 20 years of experience on television, print, radio, online media, and the corporate world, Nabhen is an asset for all lifestyle, fashion, and beauty-related events. Plus, when it comes to encouraging young girls and teens, she speaks from the heart and her message compels all with her Unique Me approach.

Romina Nabhen

Bilingual influencer, spokesperson, panelist, and on-air personality, Romina Nabhen is internationally recognized as a Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty Expert. She has over 20 years of experience on television, print, radio, online media, and the corporate world, Nabhen is an asset for all lifestyle, fashion, and beauty-related events. Plus, when it comes to encouraging young girls and teens, she speaks from the heart and her message compels all with her Unique Me approach.