I recently bought a house in 'as-is' condition, anticipating that I'll uncover several issues. The inspection highlighted problems like water damage in the roof, root intrusion in the basement, possible termite damage, and other concerns. Since I'm planning this to be my forever home, I want to approach the rehab methodically. I'm thinking of starting with a structural engineer's assessment for the basement. After that, should I get in touch with general contractors to evaluate what needs to be tackled first? Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
You're totally right about keeping a weather-tight exterior first. Financing can be a real pain, so if you can handle DIY as much as possible, it'll save you a ton of cash. Just be prepared for how different costs can stack up if you hire out!
Starting with the roof, make sure to address any leaks first by patching them up with durable materials. After that, check on your buried utilities by calling the local service to mark their locations. It's crucial to inspect the sewer line and any water or gas supply lines while you're at it. Once those are updated or repaired, focus on the foundation. This includes assessing drains and footers, ensuring everything is clear before backfilling. Once the exterior is set—everything should slope away from the house—move on to your structural framing and check for any rot or termites. Don’t forget to handle your roof framing next and deal with insulation and ventilation before finally putting in the new roof. Once the structural work is done, you can start planning the interior decor in a way that makes your workflow easier.
That sounds like a solid plan! I really like the idea of starting from the top down. It just makes everything flow better and keeps the project organized.