Thousands of home buyers look for existing older homes to buy at a bargain price. Some people do it to flip the houses for a profit, but most are just looking for affordable housing. Getting into the housing market is becoming more difficult for American workers earning basic wages. Purchasing an older home that needs work on the outside or the inside is a way to get that first home. Once the home is purchased, the family will make improvements as money becomes available.
Should Work Be Done On the Exterior, Or Interior First?
Most housing renovation contractors will advise the homeowner to make a home weatherproof and structurally sound first. That means checking out the envelope of the house first. This includes the roof, windows, siding, and foundation. Don’t forget the entry doors and sliding doors in the home. The roof is the first line of defense against rain and other elements. The windows are the home’s safe access to the outside world so they should be in good repair and workable. The siding protects the whole house and adds beauty and distinction. The home foundation holds up the structure of the house and protects it from groundwater seepage.
Once the roof is determined to be in good condition or is repaired or replaced, the windows and siding should be next. If both the windows and siding will need repair or replacement, it is an economical choice to do them at the same time. This way, if a window will be moved or replaced by a larger or smaller one, the siding can be adjusted rather than have an ugly patch. Both projects are costly so combining them into one home improvement loan or equity loan may be a good choice. Window replacement in Omaha by a company such as Lastime Exteriors can pay for itself in energy savings.
If the exterior of the home is already in good repair, then the interior renovations can come first. The homeowner must decide which home systems need the work the most. Interior electrical, heating and cooling, and plumbing systems should be checked before any cosmetic work is done. It is amazing how often the homeowner discovers faulty plumbing or electrical wiring while doing demolition for a home remodeling project. Modern appliances and electronics require up to date, dependable electrical service.
For more information on window replacement in Omaha and other exterior renovations go to this website.
