Chapter 16
Doing the Job - Step by Step

The following chapters set out your step-by-step guide to rehabbing your fixer-upper. Chapters 17 and 18 deal with internal and external improvements respectively.

Quick tips

• Arranging and completing the rehab is another great example where the application of the business plan can greatly help you get organized.

To help you decide, here is a quick summary as to which tasks you may be able to undertake and the ones that may be best left to the professionals.

DO IT YOURSELF

•      Painting
•      Landscaping
•      Kitchen face-lifts
•      Removal of old fixtures
•      Cleaning
•      Sanding/filling
•      Trash removal

•      Major kitchen remodeling
•      Major bathroom remodeling
•      Electrical repairs
•      Plumbing repairs
•      Heating/cooling systems

The next step is to draft a to do list which lays out a logical sequence for completing each task. Listed below is the order that works for me.

It covers all possibilities so feel free to ignore the ones that don't apply to your particular project:

1. Decide which items need to be removed. These come out first.

2. Keep any old carpets down. These make great cover sheets and should only be removed when you are either re-carpeting or polishing the floors.

3. Remove any wallpaper.

4. Scrape off any loose paint.

5. Wash down all walls and ceilings prior to sanding and filling. The reason for this is that any sanding will grind grease and grime into the surface and the fresh paint may not adhere properly. Make sure to cover any electrical switches and fittings, as water and electricity don't get along too well.

6. Have your electrician and plumber come in and do any work that may be required.

7. Once you have washed everything down, fill any cracks and dents. Once the filler has dried, you may need to sand the areas.

8. Install your new kitchen or bathroom and then have the tilers come in to do their job.

9. Paint.

10. Do the floors.

11. Have your bath resurfaced.

12. Install window furnishings, light fittings, light switches and door handles.

See, it's easy.

CHAPTER REVIEW
   §    Determine which tasks you can complete yourself.
   §    Draft your to do list by referring to your business plan.
   §    Leave difficult tasks such as electrical and plumbing to experts.