Q&A for How to Renovate a Home

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Is it worth it renovating a house?

GreatBuildz
Contractor Matching Service
GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. GreatBuildz was founded by a team of real estate and construction experts who believe everyone deserves to find a great contractor, have a stress-free renovation, and enjoy their beautiful new space. GreatBuildz connects homeowners with reputable contractors who passed their rigorous screening process and signed their code of conduct. GreatBuildz also individually selects contractors for the specific project and provides ongoing support to ensure everything goes smoothly.

GreatBuildz

Contractor Matching Service

Expert Answer

That all depends on the house! We recommend you hire a good building inspector before you decide to renovate. They'll check the house for costly repairs, such as termite damage and structural issues.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
Question

I am moving and the hardwood floors throughout the entire home must be refinished. Can I live in the home while refinishing the wood floors, moving furnishings from room to room?

Community Answer

You can live in the house, but oil-based polyurethane is the best material and it smells. Also it will probably cost much more for the contractor to keep coming back, rather than having him do the house all at one time.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 7
Question

How do I smooth out a popcorn ceiling without a contractor?

Community Answer

Get a ladder and tear it off with a flat spatula, then plaster it or paint it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5
Question

There are so many problems with my house, which I own free and clear. Should I renovate, or try to buy a newer house?

Community Answer

It depends on what type of problems, the severity, and if you can fix them yourself. Another thing to consider is the housing market and how likely it is that you'll be able to get a return or profit after all the expense of the work is said and done.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

I'm in the process of buying a fixer-upper. It needs extensive renovations, and I'm going to try to do most of it by myself. I will not be living there while I fix it up. Where do you suggest I begin? Should I start with the basement?

Community Answer

I would start with the roof and work your way down. No sense in fixing the wall if there is a hole in the roof in case it rains and ruins your wall. You might want to consider fixing the foundation, if it needs it, right after the roof. That way your roof can protect the rest of the house and the foundation will support the other work you are doing.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6