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I already don't have a washer and dryer. I really don't mind going to the laundromat cause it's a break from the kids and it ALL gets done at once. Whereas before when I had W&D, it would take me an ENTIRE day to do all the laundry, now it takes about 2-3 hours and it's completely done. Love it!
The foundation is in great shape. I just went back for another walk through today. No cracks or anything. Completely brick foundation, and there is not even one crack in the mortar or anything. I was shocked. I really looked closely. Also under the house the dirt is packed down very very tightly. It honestly feels like the house was built on a huge bedrock. I am still going to get a professional inspector as I am not one, but I believe this house is very well built and I have seen quite a few.
It turns out there is insulation in the crawl space. The pink stuff that comes with the cartoon character on it (used to work at home depot).
I also noticed the plugs are a mix of 2 and 3 prong plugs. I am going to have to figure out if they are actually grounded or not.
After going back, I am just solidifying my desire to buy the house. It has a very great energy about it. I would rather have this house than another one that is 150k but all done up.
Ultimately, if you love the house, it's worth it. I think there are people on here that just want to make sure you understand the undertaking you're about to commit yourself to with buying an older fixer upper. An inspection - a very good one - is an absolutely necessary thing. However, you might want to contemplate walking through the place with a reputable and honest contractor as well - one with experience in rehabbing. They might be able to quickly point out what you should and should not act upon first when going into this project. Best of luck to you and remember, if you love it, that's what matters.
Not being a pro, I may be wrong, but I would think the wiring upgrade would be high on list. Everything else will rely on having modernized electrical.
It's not a money pit if there's value for you in the work you want to put into it. I've learned that Many people (contractors especially) tend to question improvement choices and expenditures of a homeowner based on resale value, assuming the house is a short term turn and burn situation. You're not obligated to explain or justify what does or doesn't work for your situation. If it doesn't work, change it and if it's liveable, find something else that bothers you more and focus on that.
If it were me I would focus on the mechanics first, plumbing/hvac/electrical, then the soundness (insulation, basement, etc), then once all that is set, and you've lived in the house for a bit, start thinking about layout, efficiency, flow, and start making those improvements in line with the major cosmetics.
Some people don't need long to figure out their vision for a house, but you need to have sound mechanicals to move forward with most other projects. Otherwise you'll be wasting money on temporary fixes.
I was wondering how long it would take before someone actually said the right thing!-
FIRST AND FOREMOST- protect YOUR investment. Make sure it has a good roof and a good coat(s) of paint. All penetrations are caulked/sealed; and doors and windows seal well.
BECAUSE!- it won't matter what you do on the inside if it gets damaged from the elements OUTSIDE.
Then electric. Everything else is cosmetic; and one way or the other you can work around furniture or boxes.
That would seem logical, but actually not as important as mechanics. weather varies, and a house can generally be ok with minor paint peeling or even wet basement issues for some time as extreme weather conditions are not the norm.. But faulty or old wiring could destroy a house in minutes, not to mention kill you.
That would seem logical, but actually not as important as mechanics. weather varies, and a house can generally be ok with minor paint peeling or even wet basement issues for some time as extreme weather conditions are not the norm.. But faulty or old wiring could destroy a house in minutes, not to mention kill you.
That is true. Wiring is definitely first on the list. I am going to get that checked ASAP. Second to that I think the siding with the peeling paint, as that is something I can do myself. The floors are really not in that bad of shape so we might live with them for a while, even though I know it will be a pain to move all the furniture and find a place to stay for 3 days while they are being refinished.
That is true. Wiring is definitely first on the list. I am going to get that checked ASAP. Second to that I think the siding with the peeling paint, as that is something I can do myself. The floors are really not in that bad of shape so we might live with them for a while, even though I know it will be a pain to move all the furniture and find a place to stay for 3 days while they are being refinished.
for floors, Can you maybe do one room at a time soon after moving? That way you won't have accumulated too much more, won't have to disrupt your whole life but you'll still feel like stuff is getting done.
But faulty or old wiring could destroy a house in minutes, not to mention kill you.
The house is 60yo!
IF there was faulty wiring, I believe it would have made itself known by now. And it's not "old" by today's standards- just systematically out of date.
There are still thousands of homes across the country that still have non-grounded systems, fuse boxes, and total amperage ratings of 30-60amps.
The house is 60yo!
IF there was faulty wiring, I believe it would have made itself known by now. And it's not "old" by today's standards- just systematically out of date.
There are still thousands of homes across the country that still have non-grounded systems, fuse boxes, and total amperage ratings of 30-60amps.
That is true. Plus it does appear that there have been some updates over the years. The gentleman that owned the house who passed away in the 1980's (the wife didn't pass away until just recently which is why the house is being sold now) worked on A/C units for a living so he dealt with a lot of electrical stuff. I believe he maintained the house very well. There are 3 prong plugs here and there mixed with the 2 prongs, so IDK if it is grounded or not but I will find out. Either way, I would like to get it fixed for peace of mind as I have 2 small children, but I am not "worried" per se.
Ultimately, if you love the house, it's worth it. I think there are people on here that just want to make sure you understand the undertaking you're about to commit yourself to with buying an older fixer upper. An inspection - a very good one - is an absolutely necessary thing. However, you might want to contemplate walking through the place with a reputable and honest contractor as well - one with experience in rehabbing. They might be able to quickly point out what you should and should not act upon first when going into this project. Best of luck to you and remember, if you love it, that's what matters.
This is excellent advice. You simply MUST walk through the house with a good inspector as well as a good, reputable rehab contractor. They will be the best source of information when it comes to prioritizing your projects. And remember - anything they tell you price wise - go ahead and add 25 percent to that price at LEAST. I'm serious.
Get ready to spend lots and lots of money, more than you expect to spend - but unless you run into some sort of catastrophe, you should also enjoy lots of personal satisfaction as you give your home a rebirth.
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