Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice as a soon-to-be homeowner. I'm in the process of purchasing a condemned property that used to be a meth house. It's in a decent location, close to a school and in a quiet area, but I'm worried about what I might find and how much it will cost to fix up. The lot size is about 3,300 sq ft, and the house is a one-story with around 600 sq ft. There are a few broken sheds on the property, and I even found a 2004 Oldsmobile that's been left to decay since the previous owner passed away.
The lot was condemned this year after a drug bust, but I'm not sure if there was ever an actual lab. I've heard from neighbors that there might have been cooking happening in the house. I plan to go take a look soon, but it's currently rated D-10 with a poor condition. A neighbor mentioned it was built well in the 1920s and the main issue is just a corner where the porch meets the house.
My current plan is to pay off the taxes and find out what steps I need to take to get the property back, which might cost about $8,000 before I even get the keys. Some folks who've talked to my fiancée and me have estimated that we could be looking at under $25,000 in total costs to get things sorted out. But is it really worth it? Looking forward to your thoughts!
2 Answers
I've seen homes near where I live that were shut down due to being meth labs, and they often need serious work. You’ll likely have to replace all the drywall, and flooring, which can be a huge expense right from the get-go. In my area, the county usually oversees the refurbishment of these properties, so you should see if there are specific regulations you need to follow before jumping in. It's smarter than trying to figure it all out yourself on top of everything else.
Considering the age of the house and the meth lab stigma, you might be facing a gut renovation. With your D-10 rating, you could need a complete overhaul—think rewiring, plumbing, and maybe even roofing. If you're not planning to do the work yourself, costs can really soar. In fact, it might actually be cheaper to bulldoze and just start fresh if you're thinking about flipping the house later. Seriously evaluate if this investment is worth your time and money.