If you are a beginner in property investing, then this step-by-step guide on how to refurbish your buy-to-let or flip property will help you through the process.
Firstly, once you get the keys on completion day, find time to spend an hour or two to have a good look around your new investment. Take plenty of notes/photos to help build an idea of how you would like the property to look.
Now try and finalize a general to-do list outlining how to refurbish a property.
- Strip out/demolition
- Structural repair works/first fix joinery
- Electrical & plumbing 1st fix
- Plastering works
- Painter first visit to mist coat
- 2nd fix joinery/kitchen install
- Electrical & Plumbing 2nd fixes
- Tiling & Decorating
- Final fix joinery and floor finishes
Strip out and Demolition
Try and get all of this done before you invite any trades onto the site. Tradesmen like nothing better than starting a new project with a fully cleared-out property.
Structural repair works/first fix joinery
Get any structural issues sorted next. That could be rotting floor joists, leaking flat roofs, replacement windows, etc. Then, get the first fix joinery installed if you are making changes to the floor layout. This is best done using timber stud work (generally 3×2 timber studs).
Electrical & plumbing 1st fix
Before you ask the electrician and plumber to start on site, make sure you have a detailed list/plan of all fixtures and fitting. It will be expensive to make these changes if you decide you need an extra socket or radiator once everywhere is plastered.
Plastering works
Probably the messiest part of the project. Emphasize to the contactor you will want then to thoroughly clean up including scraping up any plaster “snots” that may have splashed around the floor (your joiner will thank you for it later). A freshly plastered room will require good ventilation to allow everything to dry out.
Painter first visit to mist coat
Once the walls and ceilings have dried out, apply a “mist” coat of emulsion. This will seal the fresh plaster.
2nd fix joinery/kitchen install
Now arrange for your joiner to come to site and complete their second fix. This will include fitting internal doors and frames, architraves and skirting boards. If you’re employing a separate kitchen fitter, they can now come and install it. Once complete make sure worktops are covered and the protective film stays on until you’ve completed the decorating.
Electrical & Plumbing 2nd fixes
Now the plot is ready for the electrician and plumber to carry out their second fix. This will involve fitting the new bathroom suite, fitting the sink in the new kitchen and commissioning the new boiler is necessary. The electrician will fit all sockets and switches and carry out an Electrical test and issue you with a certificate.
Tiling & Decorating
Any tiling can now be fitted in the bathroom and kitchen. Before the decorator start ensure the property has been fully cleaned out and hoovered. Any dust will almost certainly end up on your freshly glossed window cills and skirting boards.
Final fix joinery and floor finishes
Now the joiner can install all the shinney new ironmongery. Make sure they did all the chopping out of locks and latches in the second fix, otherwise there may be a lot of paint to touch up.
Now you can have your new floor finishes laid. This could be carpets, laminates, or vinyl flooring. (Floor tiles should have been laid prior to painting)
Professional Snagging
Professional snagging companies are hired at the end of construction projects to check the quality of the work that has been carried out. Their role is to identify any defects or areas that need improvement before the project is completed. This ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Professional snagging companies are an essential part of any construction project, and their work helps to ensure a successful outcome.
Hopefully, this guide gives you an idea of how to refurbish a property. Have a look around our site for more helpful information.