How to Find the Perfect House to Renovate

Finding the perfect house to renovate can be extraordinarily difficult. There are many different factors to consider, and often, the stars don’t quite align in that search for true perfection. The cliché saying of ‘it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack’ most definitely applies here. If you are looking for a house to renovate, then finding a property could be even trickier, unless you really know what you are looking for.

Here are some tips that will hopefully help you during your search.

Transport Links and Services

A perfect house is more than just a house. For most, it’s also a strategically placed base that gives you access to a useful surrounding area. Obviously, if you’re living in the middle of nowhere, you’ll generally find that property will come a little cheaper for your renovation. This is because there’s not as big a draw to the area, unless there are exceptional circumstances like sweeping views, etc.

If you’re going to commit to renovating a house, first ensure that the house you want is well situated. This is because if you’re going to rent it out, people will want to be in walking or a comfortable driving distance of shops, hospitals, good schools if they have a family, and train stations. All these things add value.

The Worst House on the Best Street

After you’ve pinpointed the area you want to buy in, aim to secure the worst house on the best street. Obviously, it’ll come at a more affordable price, but it will also give you more room to renovate and get creative. Use your imagination here; what can you do with the space? Can you make significant changes, or are you somewhat boxed in with your choices?

Companies such as Andrews will strive to help you secure exactly what you’re looking for, so utilise such services wherever possible. Try to strike that balance between inherent appeal and room for improvement. There’s no way to tell if a house is truly perfect until later in the process, so remember, first you’re scouting for potential only.

The Structural Survey

The structural survey helps you asses the quality of the build of the house you’re hoping to renovate. It will tell you what work needs doing, what walls can be removed or must remain, what repairs are acquired, and what materials need replacing. Make sure professionals undertake this responsibility for a thorough review.

This process is quite expensive, so leave this until you are sure you have found the right property. After all, you don’t want to spend all that money, and then discover that there are no transport links and services in the local area.