Bought A Fixer-Upper? Here’s How To Make It Feel Like Home

Buying a fixer-upper can help you get on the property ladder sooner. These homes are often super cheap and offer much more space than you could afford if you selected a conventional property. 

With that said it can be a mission to turn them into something that feels even vaguely like a home. There’s just so much work to do. 

Fortunately, this post is here to help. We look at some of the ways you can rescue your fixer-upper and turn it into a delightful property you’ll love. When you break it down, it’s actually much easier than you might think. 

Embrace The Potential

You’ll want to start by embracing the fixer-upper’s potential. Even though it might be in a state and require fire damage cleanup in the kitchen, that doesn’t mean it’s beyond rescue. There’s always a way if you have sufficient vision. 

If you can, try to get an estimate for how much it’s going to cost to rip everything out and put it right. Then compare this figure to the price of an equivalent property done to a high standard of finish. 

Create Livable Zones

The next step once you move in is to create so-called “livable zones”. These should be spaces in the home that feel warm, pleasant, and welcoming, allowing you to relax and feel refreshed after a hard day at the office. 

Start small by working on the key areas, like the bedroom and kitchen. Once you have these two rooms sorted (plus a functioning toilet), it often becomes much more straightforward to live in a fixer-upper. 

Bedrooms won’t take long to turn around, but a kitchen might. Therefore, you may need to begin work before moving in. 

If that’s not possible, look for ways to turn a single corner into a nice area. For example, you might put down a rug and add a sofa where you can relax or go on your phone. 

Celebrate The Nasty Bits

Another approach is to celebrate the quirky or grotty bits of the house. While you might not like them, they are what allowed you to move in in the first place (by lowering the price you paid). 

For example, if there are old architectural elements, appreciate them. Imagine how glorious they will look when you finish renovating the rest of the property. 

If there are dirty fireplaces or wonky countertops, call them “rustic.” You can always clean them, or straighten them out. 

Apply Quick Fixes

You should also look for opportunities to apply quick fixes to the property. These can change how it feels rapidly, helping you feel more confident with your choice. 

Start by applying fresh coats of paint to the most dilapidated rooms. Next, add curtains but allow natural light to enter the room. You want interiors to feel bright and airy during the renovation process. 

Cleaning windows can also help. Removing years of dirt and grime makes a difference. 

Remember to embrace the journey during the renovation process. Ultimately, you’ll wind up with something that’s far better value than if you hadn’t gone down the DIY route. 

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