You Might Want to Wait Before Breaking Out the Sledgehammer!

You just bought your dream home - well, sort of. It's not quite your dream yet, with that wall cutting the kitchen off from the dining room and living room. Maybe removing a wall or two will make the space just what you want. But is that a good idea? Below are six steps you should take before heading to that big box home improvement store to buy a sledgehammer!

1. Talk to your neighbors

Neighbors can be invaluable sources of information! They may be aware of any problems and quirks in your condo or HOA development, and they may know of issues the previous owners had with the house. They are also an excellent source of recommendations. Need a plumber or a roofer? They might have great field-tested suggestions of whom to call—and whom to avoid. Plus, it’s nice to get that invitation to the backyard barbecue or summer block party!

2. Check local regulations

Before you paint the exterior of your home a new color, add a new bathroom, or even take down that annoying overgrown tree, you should be aware of local regulations. These can be the rules of your building or complex, your homeowners association, your town city, county, or a combination of the above. If your home is in a historic district or holds a historic designation, you may also face restrictions on if and how you can alter your property. If you don't check first, you may be sorry later, when you are hit with not only headaches, but also fines, stop-work orders, and requirements to redo work that's already been done!

3. Be realistic about your abilities

Who doesn't want to save money, especially as a new homeowner? Tik Tok and YouTube come in handy for learning all sorts of things. But you may want to reconsider rewiring your house or replacing your water heater after checking out a couple of videos! Will you really save money, or will you end up with an expensive problem that may require emergency help? Instead, try doing some smaller projects, like replacing a ceiling fan or kitchen faucet. As your abilities and confidence build, you can consider doing some bigger projects. When it comes to something big like taking down walls, be sure to consult a professional. The last thing you want is for your ceiling to come crashing down or worse!

4. Make a List of Professionals

As a new homeowner, you will quickly learn that problems are going to arise that you never could have dreamed of happening! Whatever type of issue you encounter, there is a licensed professional available in your area. You just need to know where to look (and here's where those neighbors - and local Facebook community pages - again come in handy).

Consider asking for recommendations for an electrician, a plumber, an HVAC technician, a roofer, an exterminator, a landsaper - and whoever else you might need. You'll be happy you have that list available when you need help, especially in an emergency. 

5. Have a Reserve Fund

Things are going to go wrong, no matter the age of your home and the condition when you buy it. Even if your property passed your home inspection with flying colors, appliances are going to die a sudden death, boilers will need to be serviced, the roof will eventually need to be replaced and the air conditioning will malfuntion on the hottest day of the year! Finance experts recommend you put aside 1-4% of your home value every year to cover maintenance and repair needs. That fund will at least help to cushion the blow even if it doesn't totally cover the expense.

Ready to buy your dream house? Let us know! We're always ready to help!