There are hundreds of thousands or even millions of homes around the country that need a little TLC in order to live up to their potential. Most will never be much more than a place for people to sleep at night, but some have so much potential that they’re well worth the effort it takes to fix them up. If you have your eye on a fixer-upper, but don’t know where to start after you move in, here are six things you should do.
1. Get the Water Turned On
If you’re buying a home that has been vacant for any length of time, this might be something your realtor will need to handle for you since it’s their job to make sure everything is in working order before you move in. However, many people moving into brand-new homes are often surprised when they get their first utility bill – usually larger than expected because the previous owners hadn’t paid it, and it had been accumulating for quite some time. Madison Fox is a market-leading estate agent and will guide you here.
2. Get Rid of Ugly Wallpaper
There are few things worse than living with outdated wallpaper for even a few days, but if your home is full of it, you’re going to want to start by ripping it off. The paper can often be removed simply enough with a little elbow grease and water, so long as the glue hasn’t begun to stick too firmly. If you have stubborn paper that just won’t come down, a paper stripper will do the trick.
3. Give it a Fresh Coat of Paint
Getting rid of old wallpaper is one thing, but giving your walls a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in how people perceive your home. Even if you have to hire professionals to do this for you, it’s worth it to see your home looking clean and new again. A quick coat on the ceilings will also do wonders for your empty rooms, as well as cabinets you plan to keep.
4. Update Outdated Appliances
Before you buy a brand-new fridge or stove, make sure you look at all of your options – there are many different styles to choose from. It may be worth the extra expense to get something that not only works well but fits in perfectly with your home’s decor. The same goes for other appliances you plan to keep – it might be worth considering new countertops along with your appliances, especially if you enjoy cooking and entertaining guests.
5. Add Some Character
For most people, their home is more than just a place to sleep. It’s the place they relax, entertain guests, and spend time with family. Because of this, it can be easy to overlook things like faded paint or stained carpets. If you’re not afraid to make some changes – even major ones – your home can become the place you always wanted it to be.
6. Organize Your Closets
If there is one part of your home that everyone sees, it’s the closet space – especially if you have a walk-in or large master suite closet. Make sure you organize this area so everything has its own place and can be easily found when needed. You can use a variety of storage options, including shoe cubbies and racks for storing off-season clothing and accessories.
Enjoy Your Home!
After all your hard work, you should be proud of the home you’ve created, so enjoy it!
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