Hi lovelies,

Most people who buy fixer-upper homes do so for financial reasons, in order to save money. Money can also present a challenge when you move into a home that needs some TLC. Which renovation projects should you focus on first if your budget is tight, and why? Which fixer-upper projects make the most sense to tackle first and which give you the most bang for your buck? 

Pipework
Your fixer-upper might not have been inhabited for a while. This means that pipework can fur up, freeze, or seize. Before you can start to think about decorating, you need to think about the plumbing. Ask a plumber to assess the pipes in the house, focusing on the bathroom, kitchen, and crawlspaces. They will check for leaks and corrosion. Any sections of connections that look worse for wear can be replaced with supplies from Crawlspace Depot before you turn on the taps or test the shower. 

If your new home has a gas connection to the property, you should also check this pipework as a matter of urgency. Gas leaks can be incredibly dangerous and can even cause explosions, so it is essential to have your gas pipes looked at. If these pipes run around the exterior of your home, they could be vulnerable to cold and erosion. Sudden gas penetration can lead to cracks. This will make your boiler work too hard and become inefficient. Replacing the pipes could cost a lot, but it will be worth it when your home is safe and efficient. 

Roof
The roof of your fixer-upper might be bowing or sagging. If this is the case, you need to get into the attic space as soon as possible to check the integrity of your rafters. Bowing tends to mean that your rafters are rotting either because of an infestation of a pest or a leak in the roof. This can then lead to wet rot and the possibility that your roof might cave in.

Get these rafters replaced and think carefully about the material that you would like for your new roof. You might choose slate or tile, depending on the period of your new home. 

This could be a great opportunity to think about solar panels for your roof too. These will help your home to become more sustainable and efficient, as it can generate its own electricity from the energy of the sun. You can go off-grid and no longer need to rely on a utility company for your power. If you generate more electricity than you need, you can even sell it back to the grid, making a little profit on the side. 

If you notice any signs of dampness or mold in the corner of your ceilings, then this could be coming from a leak on the roof. If this is caused by something simple, like a missing or cracked roof tile, this can easily be replaced and put right. More damage will need an expert to correct.