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Renovating a fixer-upper is necessary when you’re trying to increase the property’s value, but it’s crucial that you avoid making some of the most common renovation mistakes investors sometimes make. Despite having gone over the plans for your remodeling project numerous times, those costly mistakes could derail your project’s renovation timeline and eat away at your profits.
New Western’s Co-Founder and President, Kurt Carlton, has spent the past two decades rewriting the playbook on how to invest in real estate. With his insight and years of experience, we’ll share seven of the most common mistakes investors tend to make and how to avoid them.
Key Takeaways:
The most important thing to remember when doing renovations on an investment property is to not spend more money than you need to. One of the most common home renovation mistakes new investors make is accepting the first bid without comparing it against others. Not only do you run the risk of spending more than necessary for services and supplies, but you also risk cutting into your potential profit margins.
By asking for more than one plan, you maximize your negotiating power and make sure that your remodeling project budget is accurate.
Pro Tip: “Always solicit multiple bids (at least three) for any project to get a sense of the market rate. This not only helps in preventing overcharges but also provides options in terms of quality and timelines. Remember, due diligence in the bidding process is crucial for keeping your investment on track and within budget.” – Kurt Carlton
It is tempting to look for ways to save money while investing in single-family homes. Though choosing the lowest bidder for the job might seem like a good idea at the time, you need to fully vet the contractor and prior work before making a decision.
Don’t forget that your goal is to find a good mix between quality and price. You are more likely to be happy with the results of your investment property if the contractor’s bid shows that they are realistic about the cost of quality materials and work.
By taking the time to thoroughly investigate and analyze every bid, you can be confident that you are not risking the project’s success in order to take advantage of an apparent cost-saving measure.
Permits play a critical role in the renovation process, especially when you are beginning the renovation process with the intention of renting or flipping the space. Not getting the right building permits can lead to potential problems that could cut into your budget.
In addition to being another obstacle, unlicensed work is an all-too-common home remodeling mistake that can have unintended consequences.
An important consideration when buying a fixer-upper is maintaining the integrity of the building’s original design. Ignoring this could lessen the property’s appeal and decrease its worth on the real estate market.
It can be difficult to strike a balance between updating and modernizing a property without sacrificing its original aesthetic and practicality in order to take full advantage of its potential. This is why hiring a professional designer could be a good idea for fixer-uppers that are more complicated.
Here are some easy examples:
Action Steps:
If you know about the building’s history, you can make remodeling plans that keep the property’s character and charm, which will help you get the best return on your investment.
When renovating single-family homes, the desire for beautiful finishes can sometimes overpower the need for functionality. A good rule of thumb for investors is to make sure that the property not only looks good but also meets the needs of the people who will be living there.
Improvements that only make the property look better may not be as helpful as increasing its usefulness. A kitchen remodel, for instance, requires a balance of form and function. A stunning design is pointless if it lacks adequate storage or a functional layout.
Every part of the property should have a function and contribute to the property’s livability and value if you want to attract buyers or tenants. Finding the right mix between style and function will not only make your investment more marketable, but it will also keep the property practical and visually appealing for a long time.
Renovating investment properties requires careful consideration of both practicality and aesthetics. While customization is important, making the design too unique could make it harder to find people who’d want to buy or rent the property. Your objective as an investor should be to enable a sale or rental that is both profitable and done quickly.
Remember that you should think about the possible return on investment (ROI) for every design choice you make. If you want to get the most money out of a sale or rental, your modifications should reflect current trends and market norms.
Pro Tip: “For renovations with an eye toward resale, opt for neutral, widely appealing design choices. This strategy ensures your property appeals to the largest possible audience, enhancing its marketability and resale value.” – Kurt Carlton
You might think that doing the work yourself will save you on renovation costs. However, a lack of expertise and skill could lead to not only poor work but also additional cost. Here are some of the main reasons why real estate investors may overestimate their ability to do DIY renovations:
Pro Tip: “Realistically assess your skills and the scope of the project. When in doubt, hiring professionals can save time and money in the long run, ensuring a quality finish that adds value to the property.” – Kurt Carlton
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.