What You Should Know Before Buying a Fixer-Upper in Canada

Home renovations and gut jobs may look sleek and satisfying on television, but the reality is that they’re a big undertaking. If you’re the kind of person who’s patient, resourceful and good at adapting on the fly, you might be just fine with a fixer-upper.

Here’s what you should know before closing the deal on a fixer-upper in Canada:

Make sure your end goal is clear. While it’s true that plans have to change sometimes, you should have a plan from start to finish and a clear vision of what you want out of the project before you start smashing down walls.

Quality supplies make a difference. There are things worth skimping on, but don’t cut corners when it comes to crucial supplies like paint, finishes and structural items. Remember the old saying: you get what you pay for.

These projects almost always take more time and money than planned. With fixer-uppers, it’s hard to plan for everything. Whether a small job ends up being a big job, or you’re stuck waiting for a crucial vendor to deliver supplies, your schedule is unlikely to go exactly as planned. It’s also unlikely to stay 100-per cent on budget, so make sure you build in some contingency funds.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Aside from contractors or specialists, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself soliciting help from friends and family for some of the more tedious tasks. This doesn’t have be a chore, however. Consider ordering some pizza and having a painting party, or treating your friends to a backyard BBQ after they’ve helped you lay some flooring.