Rehab a House on a Budget

Another component for investors to consider is making an offer. This introductory step requires real estate investors to run the numbers on a deal to assess exactly what type of offer they can make. Furthermore, this will also involve the After Repair Value (ARV) estimate, which is used to calculate the value of the developed property after repairs have been made. This all-important number will help investors to not only determine their exit strategy moving forward, but also reveal which financing options work best for their situation.

For investors looking to get started, the following breaks down the steps of how to rehab a house on a budget:

Step 1: Evaluate The Property

The initial walk through of a property is one of the most important steps to succeeding in a real estate rehab. When doing it on a budget, however, this first step climbs to the top of priorities, as overlooking something could potentially turn a profitable property into a mistake. 

Investors should begin each property inspection with a professional inspector. These individuals will not only help to identify items that need to be repaired, but recognize things you would have otherwise missed. In most cases, a home inspection will include examining the home’s heating and air-conditioning system, electrical system, plumbing, foundation, roof, flooring, walls, ceilings, windows, doors and insulation.

As an investor, it’s important to take a combination of notes and pictures during the initial inspection. These items will play a significant role in developing a rehab checklist moving forward, as well as help investors better understand what to look for in rehab properties moving forward. 

Step 2: Create A Checklist

Now that you have a clear understanding of the work that needs to be performed, the next step is to create a rehab checklist. Thrifty investors should outline the necessary repairs that need to be made, including highlighting the costs associated. In order to avoid missing anything, investors should incorporate their inspection report when generating a checklist. This small measure will help to produce a detailed roadmap of what needs to be done to the property.

Another factor to consider, especially for those seeking how to rehab a house on a budget, is the return on investment. Investors on a limited budget will need to examine the thin line between cost effectiveness and high returns, as some rehabs can end up costing you more than they’re worth.

Step 3: Develop A Budget

Once you understand the scope of work that needs to be done, the next step is to assemble a budget. Although every investor’s financial plan will differ, it’s important that you have a profile of  the work that needs to be performed, including itemized repairs, along with a predetermined dollar amount you’re willingly to spend. Doing so will enable investors to prioritize their checklist or make changes if necessary.

Step 4: Find A Contractor

The importance of finding a quality contractor is second to none when rehabbing a property. These individuals will play a crucial role in transforming your property into a winning investment. However, not all contractors are created equal. Investors will need to spend a responsible amount of time researching general contractors. This meticulous process will help investors to steer clear of bad contractors, which can ultimately end up costing time, patience and money.

There are several things investors will want to keep in mind when looking for a contractor, including:

• References: Get at least three references from past clients.
• Project Management: Do they have adequate time in their schedule to perform the necessary duties?
• Licensed and insured: Make sure they have the qualification and certificates to perform the type of work you’re hiring them for.
• Payment Schedule: Determine if their payment schedule aligns with how you intend to pay them.
• Work Ethic: Are they reliable? Do they stand up to their word?

Once you’ve found a number of contractors, the next step is to have each one submit a formal bid. This will enable investors to hand pick the contractor that best fits their needs as well as their budget.

Step 5: Obtain Permits

Do you have the required permits to perform the rehab? In order to avoid violating local building codes, it’s critical that permits are pulled. It’s recommended that investors contract their local building department to determine the necessary permits they need. In most cases, the contractor will determine what permits are needed based on the type of work.

Step 6: Commence The Cleanup

Now begins the physical work of rehabbing your investment. The stage will include removing all trash from inside and outside of the home, as well as damaged items such as doors, windows, fixtures, etc. The purpose of the cleanup is to prep the property for renovations, which will allow for the rehabbing process to run smoother. Additionally, this stage can be completed for next to nothing in cost, as the majority of work can be completed through your own sweat equity. Although this process will not add value to the home, it’s necessary component to facilitate the rehab process and ensure progress is made.

Step 7: Get Started With The Exterior

One of the more affordable expenditures when rehabbing a property is the exterior. Improvement to the outside of a home, which will range from the front yard, driveway, front door and others, can generally be accomplished without the use of a contractor, although items like pool maintenance may need the assistance of professional service. In most cases, these enhancements can be performed at affordable costs, helping to save investors on their long-term budget. That said, the cost of rehabbing the exterior of a home will differ from property to property, but these costs will be much lower than improvements made to the interior.

Step 8: Get Started With The Interior

The core of costs when rehabbing a property will almost always involve the interior of the home. Depending on the number of doors, windows and other repairs that need to be made, this scope of work will almost always demand the biggest budget. However, there are a few things investors can do to stay on budget.

As mentioned earlier, it’s critical that penny-pinching investors choose repairs that offer that highest return on investment. These upgrades will help to produce the best return for your dollar. In addition, there are unlimited ways for investors to enhance the interior appearance of a home through do-it-yourself improvements. In most cases, the majority of work (and costs) of rehabbing a home will come from internal components of a home such as repairs to the HVAC, plumbing and electrical system.

Step 9: Finalize Improvements

The last piece to rehabbing a house on a budget is finalizing the improvements. With the contractor by your side, it’s important you examine all of the work that has been done, including double checking any adjustments that were made during the renovation. A final inspection by a professional service is also recommended, as they can essentially confirm the work completed by the contractor is up to par with standards.

Like any endeavor, where there’s a will there’s a way. For investors wondering how to rehab a house on a budget, there’s always a way. The first step is simply finding the property that gives you the best chance to make your money stretch.

Contact us for market information on your next rehab.