Should I Buy A Fixer Upper?

Buying a fixer-upper or a move-in-ready home is a decision that many home buyers face. The answer to this question can vary depending on one’s personal circumstances, but Brad with Home Love Construction has some insights to share.

Brad runs a general contracting firm that specializes in design-build work in the Tampa Bay area and has experience with both types of homes. He acknowledges that this is his personal opinion, but it is based on his years of experience in the industry.

For young, mobile, and busy professionals who are in the swing of their careers, Brad would not recommend buying a fixer-upper. This is because even if you hire a general contractor to do the renovations, it still requires a lot of time and planning on your end, and you will still be significantly inconvenienced during the renovation process.

On the other hand, for those who are later in their career, have a stable job, and are looking for their “forever home”, Brad highly recommends a fixer-upper. With a fixer-upper, you can buy a house at a discount and make it your own, adding value to the home in the process. You can do whatever you want inside the house, such as moving the kitchen or changing the roof.

In a typical whole home renovation, you would be doing things like updating the bathrooms and kitchens, changing the flooring, ceilings, and roof, and adding windows and doors. While this type of renovation can be time-consuming and inconvenient, the end result can be a completely transformed and personalized home that can greatly increase its value.

Brad also acknowledges that not everyone is cut out for a fixer-upper and that some people might be better off with a move-in ready home. However, if you’re someone who is looking for a home that you can make your own, a fixer-upper might be the way to go.

In conclusion, the decision of whether to buy a fixer-upper or a move-in ready home is a personal one and will depend on your individual circumstances. For young professionals who are busy with their careers, a move-in-ready home might make more sense. But for those who are looking for their “forever home”, a fixer-upper can offer the opportunity to create a completely personalized and unique home that is truly your own.