Quick Cosmetic Repairs for Flipping Houses
Part of the Flipping Houses For Dummies Cheat Sheet
The ideal house for a flipper needs a cosmetic job, or quick flip, instead of major repairs. This usually involves a deep scrubbing, decluttering, and a little makeup to improve appearance and attract prospective buyers. Here are some top makeover steps to transform your fixer-upper:
Painless landscaping makeovers
Trim trees and brush
Pull weeds and dead plants
Plant fresh shrubs and flowers
Declutter the yard
Mulch the flower beds
Mow and edge the lawn
Fill driveway and walkway cracks
Quick curbside facelifts
Remove any window air conditioners
Repair or replace windows and screens
Apply a fresh coat of paint (except on brick)
Paint the front door and threshold
Repair and paint or replace the gutters
Replace the front and rear storm doors
Replace exterior light fixtures
Replace the mailbox
Interior beauty tips
Thoroughly clean and scrub the house, including the windows
Replace all wall-to-wall carpeting (unless it’s covering a beautiful wood floor)
Apply a fresh coat of paint (neutral tones only)
Repair doors and doorknobs
Install new window blinds
Install or update light fixtures
Replace all faceplates (on light switches and outlets)
Replace heat registers
Install new smoke detectors
Quick and cheap kitchen makeovers
Install a new stainless steel sink
Install a new faucet
Replace damaged or out-of-date countertops
Paint or refinish the cabinets and install new hardware (knobs and handles)
Bathrooms brush ups
Install a new vanity (cabinet and sink)
Install all new fixtures
Replace the toilet seat
Replace the shower curtain
Caulk around sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers
De-mildew the shower or bath
Cellar sprucers
Sweep the cobwebs out of the rafters
Seal all cracks in the walls
Whitewash concrete or cement-block walls with a sealing paint
Paint the floor using a gray or beige
Stuff pieces of new insulation between the joists where the joists meet the outside wall
