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RENOVATING: WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE YOU START.

We LOVE when clients come to us asking for help in determining whether to renovate their existing home or whether to purchase another home which has more of their “wants”, e.g. better location, but does not have all the items on their wish list. In some cases, the risks that come with purchasing and renovating an older home are well worth the reward. As long as you do your “due diligence”.

Here are a few tips that we’ve found to be helpful in making this important decision:

1. Do your research! We cannot stress this enough! As a potential buyer, you have the right to have a property inspected in order to discover what general shape it’s in. It’s impossible to determine every obstacle that might pop up but, by doing this important step on the front end, you will become a more informed client.

2. Be open and prepared for those things which may become evident as a result of the inspection. So many times, older homes, even newer homes for that matter, can have hidden issues.

3. Hire someone you can trust! Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments you will ever make so you need to hire someone who is experienced and knowledgeable, not only in construction and renovation, but also in real estate and home values. At the end of the day, you want to see a return on your investment.

4. Meet with a reputable lender who can assist you with preparing a realistic budget. It’s easy to get carried away with the “big picture” but you must know what your wants and needs will cost and if they will fit within your budget.

We have found, throughout the years, that the more homework that’s done upfront, the less stressful and more organized renovating or new construction will be. Just like with anything else in life, knowing what you want and preparing for it, will yield the best results! Renovating or new construction may not be right in a certain geographical location or area, but with some research you might just find that there is a better solution with long term appreciation just around the corner!

Here are some before and afters projects of some older home renovations we completed!

BEFORE

AFTER

View more photos of this project on Houzz.

View more photos of this project on Houzz.

Author: Nicole Cosentino

4th generation to the company, Open Doors is run by our very own Nicole Cosentino. Follow along for great tips, design inspiration and to see how we are transforming Atlanta one home at a time. 

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