The most important thing before you even begin this fix and flip project is to check with local authorities if you’ll need a permit to perform it. Some local councils might even require professional electricians to do the job for you. If you’re hiring a subcontractor, this should be an easy task. If you’re allowed to do it, you should be done in a few minutes as well.

For this how to flip house project, you’ll need a dimmer switch, wire connectors, and some 12/2 or 14/2 home wire. When choosing a dimmer switch, be sure to calculate the combined wattage of the light bulbs it will control. Select one that has a wattage rating that can control the total wattage of the bulbs. You’ll also need basic electrician tools like an electrical tester, a circuit tester, wire strippers/cutters, and your good ol’ screwdriver.

Now, let’s get this how to flip house project on. First thing you need to do is to turn off the general switch. Also, be sure to lock the service panel or leave a note on it indicating that someone is working on the wires. You don’t want anyone turning it on while you’re touching the wires, right?

Next, open the faceplate. Unscrew the switch from the mailbox and carefully pull it out. You need to disconnect the ground wire from the switch. You’ll also need to remove the black wires. Inspect the exposed copper ends. If they are in useable condition, keep them as is. If not, cut the damaged ends and expose new copper wire by stripping around half an inch of the black coating.

Now, proceed with this fix and flip project by connecting the wires. Using wire connectors, connect the black copper wires to the black pigtails in the dimmer switch. As for the ground wire inside the workbox, connect it with the ground pigtail in the switch. Use a wire connector for this connection as well. Then, carefully push back the wiring and the switch into the box. Secure it with screws and place the faceplate.

To complete the how to flip house project turn on the general switch on the service panel and test if the dimmer switch is working. If it is, good job! If it isn’t, turn off the service panel again and have your work checked by a professional.

Now, some final reminders when installing dimmers. One thing you should keep in mind when working with electricity is that it is deadly. That is why it is imperative that you ensure that the power line is off. If you can lock the service panel, lock it. Or tell everyone that you are working on power. Also, test the wires for additional safety. Finally, it always pays to have it done by a licensed electrician.

But truth be told, removing door knobs, especially interior ones, is very easy. That is, if you know the trick. This article on woes when flipping properties will expose that trick. Take note though that this feature will discuss removing interior door knobs, which are easier to replace compared to front door knobs and locksets.

For this task, you will need a set of flathead screwdrivers, a Philips screwdriver, Allen wrench (for some weird sets), and gloves or rag for corroded and damaged handles. The level of difficulty ranges from very easy to moderate, usually depending on the type of doorknobs you have. That, by the way, is the first step to this process. Determine whether the screws of the inner doorknob handles are visible or not.

If the screws are visible, simply unscrew them. Most likely you’ll need a Philips for this flipping property task. If they are nowhere to be seen, you’ll have to look for a detent or a catch on the stem. The stem is the narrower cylindrical tube that connects the knob to the whole set. If there’s no lever, look for a small slit or hole on the trim where a thin flathead would fit. The trim is the flat ring between the knob and the stem. Some knobs would require an Allen wrench. It’s just a matter of finding the right stick for the right hole. When the hidden detent is hit by the screwdriver, pull the knob.

Once the knob handle is gone, simply remove the trim by prying it with a flathead. You’ll expose another ring that held in place by two set screws. To remove that place, simply unscrew it with a Philips or flathead. Wasn’t it mentioned that this flipping property woe was easy to solve? A word of caution though: watch out for falling parts. Some pieces simple come off when the set screws anchoring the set to the door are removed. Safety first when flipping properties.

Continue this flipping property task by removing the whole mechanism from the door. That means the two knobs and the stem will have to go, leaving only a hole and the doorknob strike bolt. This is the part that inserts to the strike plate that’s carved into the jamb. This part of the doorknob is held by two screws on the side of the door. Unscrew them. likely with a Philips, and take out the strike bolt.

To complete this flipping property task, unscrew the strike plate from the jamb. It is also fastened with screws. From this point on, all that’s left is a door with two holes (for the lock mechanism and the strike bolt) and the jamb with a hole for the strike bolt.

Apart from a discussion about wood as a siding material, this rehabbing article will also touch on cement fiber siding, which is becoming a trend in new development projects. Although you are unlikely to meet this material as you rehab houses that are old, this information will be useful to you in the future.

Wood was placed last in this list because it’s the material that you are likely to meet the most when doing rehab homes. It is used today, unlike asbestos. It still is popular among home buyers while fiberglass and hardboard composite siding are losing appeal due to cement fiber siding and other more modern materials. It’s also like that you’ll encounter houses with wood clapboard but retrofitted with aluminum or vinyl panels.

But if you happen to see wood siding in its prime, you’ll notice that the style and texture is excellent. Wood siding comes in an array of finishes as well. If you’re looking vertical planks, you’ll appreciate wood plank or board siding, which comes in several styles like tongue and groove. For the conventional horizontal type, you’ll find wood clapboard or beveled siding, which is characterized by overlapping joints. There are other types of wood siding but these are the classes that you’ll usually encounter when doing rehab homes.

When rehabbing homes with wood as siding, the usual repairs you’ll have to face are rotten parts, warping, and those eaten by termites or damaged by insects. You will probably do a lot of caulking, too. Installation is unlikely to be a problem but refinishing is a must. Since its wood, it will need priming before you can repaint it. Repairing rehab homes with wood could also be a problem, especially if you have the budget for wood siding.

Meanwhile, you might also consider cement fiber siding in your rehab homes. It looks very similar to wood and can even emulate its grain appearance. It’s almost like wood actually, especially as it is made from recycled materials, although it doesn’t require as much maintenance. Currently available from JamesHardie, CertainTeed, among others, it is very durable. Some brands are guaranteed up to 50 years! If you don’t want to do a lot of painting, choose the prefinished type. If you want to do the paint job on your own, choose the primed type. And if you’re concerned with design, you can use cement fiber trim and millwork pieces. Just like wood, right? Only that it’s not. It is considered “green” nevertheless.

If you’re rehabbing homes today, cement fiber siding is definitely one material you must consider. With types like beveled, shingle, and stucco panels, you won’t run out of ideas to use this material effectively to improve the curb appeal of the property you are rehabbing. Be sure to check your local store and compare prices before shopping for siding, whatever material you choose.

If you’re rehabbing houses, especially those that have damaged sidings, it is imperative that you know the materials commonly used in this specific part of the house. Study the materials, their advantages and disadvantages, and make wise decisions when faced with siding problems. The discussion starts with aluminum siding.

When you rehab homes that are relatively newer, you’ll notice that they come with aluminum siding. This material rose to fame because compared to wood, it is easier to maintain. Most aluminum strips are interlocking. You’ll find perforated holes at the top, which are used for fastening, and flanges at the bottom. As for style, you’ll have a lot of options. You can choose from horizontal or vertical panels and various finishes and textures.

When rehabbing homes with aluminum siding, you’ll also notice that they’re a bit noisy when hit. They could also be dented through the years. It’s also not uncommon to find aluminum panels sometimes installed alongside wood panels. Some repairs are done that way. If you’re dealing with an old siding with prefinished paint, the finish is likely faded or chalking.

As for the cost, should you need to replace or repair sidings of your rehab houses, is moderate compared to other materials. Be wary of plastic coated aluminum, which is the posh type. There’s no need to use it unless extremely needed, say, when you’re rehabbing a luxury home.

Another popular siding material is vinyl. If you want a cheaper alternative, rehabbing the home with vinyl siding is one possible idea. However, be sure that you a contractor who’s good with this task. This material can buckle when improperly installed. Also be very careful when handling vinyl panels during colder days because it can crack in low temperatures.

Similar to aluminum, it also is commonly interlocking. It features flanges on the top and bottom and has perforated holes used to attach them to the exterior wall. For the style, you’ll have similar choices with aluminum. You can choose from horizontal and vertical panels and various textures as well. If you’re installing new vinyl siding, paint won’t be a problem because these panels come in solid color.

When rehabbing homes that have wooden siding, you’ll notice that some parts were also retrofitted with vinyl siding. This is a common practice for those who are looking to repair their homes for far less. Aluminum is cheaper than wood siding while vinyl is much cheaper. Consider this pricing hierarchy when weighing your options on materials.

Part 2 of this rehab houses article on common siding material will discuss wood, which is still considered classic. You’ll also get some idea on cement fiber as a material for construction and rehabbing.

Biased as it may sound, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association describes this material as “easy to find, easy to install, and easy to maintain. It’s also incredibly easy on the eye. And let’s not forget, it’s easy on the wallet, too!” But really, they could not have put it any better. That’s why those who fix and flip homes usually use it in can they have to.

One thing you must know when flipping homes with asphalt roof shingles is that they are generally classified into two main types. The first one is the more common fiberglass-based. It is made with glass fibers coated with asphalt and finished with mineral granules, which are considered weather-resistant. The other type is organic-based, whose base or mat is made from recycled waste paper and wood fibers. They became less popular due to their vulnerability to fire. Most fiberglass roofs have an A fire rating while organic types usually get C types, and could lower the value of a property. Always take that into count when you flip homes.

As for the specific types, there are four. The most common perhaps is the strip shingles. They are usually rectangular in shape, and may be measured in standard and metric dimensions. A lot of investors who are into the fixing and flipping home business use the three-tab shingle, a kind of strip shingles. They align the cutouts and create various designs and “textures” in the process.

Interlocking shingles, meanwhile, are preferred in windy areas. That’s because their interlocking feature allows them to be more resistant to strong winds. Investors who flip homes and are after making designs through shingles will also find this type useful. On the corollary, if you want the roof to be as plain and simple – to a point unattractive – as possible, use large format shingles. This type does not use cutouts or tabs and comes in larger measurements.

If you’re flipping homes and you have money to spare, use laminate shingles. Then, brag about the roof when you market the property. That’s because this type is most preferred by home buyers. Because they are laminated with an extra layer, they are thicker and provide and extra feeling of security for the homeowner. Apart from quality, they also visually appealing and thus have the tag “architectural shingles.”

Asphalt roof shingles are a good mix of economy, quality, and appeal. That is why it is no surprise that home builders, and even rehabbers, prefer using them in their projects. Just make sure to do a little research to determine what specific type of shingle will fit your need when flipping homes. Be sure to consider price, quality, ease of installation, and appeal.

Rehabbing homes requires paying attention to these minute but important details. And to make sure you don’t forget about doorknobs, here are some notes about them. These are merely reminders. It’s good if you know just so you can remind your contractor in case he forgets them. You can also use them as a guide if you’re installing doorknobs on your own.

First of all, don’t be surprised if your home rehab contractor or hardware guy calls them handle sets. That’s a common term in the development industry. Some contractors will call them locksets. When buying doorknobs for your rehabbing project, the basic rule is quality and style. These pieces are relatively cheap, and that is why the thing that you have to worry about is their appeal when installed. Do they look sturdy? Do they look safe? Do they look good?

Your good choices will range of $30 to $500. There’s no need to go for types that cost hundreds of dollars unless you feel that only such model will complement the door and the home rehab. For instance, you can’t install a regular door knob on a vintage, solid carved wood door, right? You might have to go for a brass mortise lock in that case. As for finishes, they come with brass, bronze, and chrome. Also, consider whether you’ll install them on the front door or on interior doors. You don’t want an interior doorknob to outshine the front door. One idea is to use a mortise lockset for the front and cylindrical doorknobs for interiors.

Finally, before you leave to shop for doorknobs, remember these rehabbing reminders. First of all, make sure you know the door’s handing. This is important, especially if you’re buying curved levers instead of knobs, which are often reversible. A right-hand door is basically one that has a knob on the right and opens toward you. The left-hand door has the knob on the left and also opens toward the user.

Another home rehab reminder on doorknobs is measuring the backset dimension, or simple the length from the center of the knob hole up to the edge of the door. You’ll also need the measuring tape for determining the thickness of the door. Most constructors install thicker doors on the exterior and thinner ones insider. Doors of the house you’re rehabbing will probably fall between the range of 1 3/8 inches and 1 3/4 inches.

Hopefully these notes on doorknobs will help make your home rehab project easier. Remember, rehabbing homes is all about making the buyer that the property is ready for his relocation. If you fail on small details like doorknobs, he will look for more faults on the house and that will blur your chances of making a sale.

But before you even shop for new cabinetry, which could be pretty expensive, make sure first that you indeed need to install them in the bathrooms. Will simple refinishing do? Most baths would do with the usual vanity cabinets, eliminating the need for wall cabinets. If you feel that they are necessary, especially if the vanity type doesn’t provide enough storage space, and they won’t cram the room, then choose from these two types.

The first type is called the face frame. Local manufacturers often have a stock of these models. Basically, they have a frame in front, right where the doors are attached. These frames are often made from 1×2” hardwood. They serve as a good base for hinges that hold the windows. The frame also makes the whole unit more rigid, and therefore manufacturers can use lower quality materials for the slides. This is a practical choice, especially if you are after saving some money without actually compromising the quality – the essence of a fix and flip project.

The other type is called the frameless type, or in many areas, the European type. These usually have a thicker boards as top, back, base, and side units. That’s because, they literally, are frameless in front. Therefore, the doors are directly attached to the body. If storage space in the bathroom you are to fix and flip is an issue, frameless types are a good option. They provide slightly more storage because of the absence of the frames. Not many local manufacturers make this type though.

When flipping homes, you are usually pressed for time so what many rehabbers do is they shop for ready to install cabinets. If you choose to buy stock cabinets, be sure to properly measure the dimensions of the room. As a guide, most vanity cabinets are around the 32 inches tall. Their width and depth vary. A lot of companies offer free estimation, and that will include measurement of dimensions. Some rehabbers like semi-stock, or those that are can be adjusted a little to fit.

If you really the need to make the bathroom perfect by installing cabinets, you can ask your carpenter to make them for you. That is, if he knows how to. You can also look for local custom makers although it is going to be expensive. Again, go for custom only if you believe that it would be bang for your buck. Otherwise, go for stock or don’t install cabinets at all.

Remember, when flipping homes, you don’t need to be stingy on upgrades that would give a three-fold return on value. Cabinets may or may not be worth it, so the actual debate isn’t which type would fit well in the bathroom your are rehabbing; it’s knowing whether or not you should install them in your fix and flip project.

If it’s a brick or vintage house, chances are it has an old-school fireplace. If you’re house rehabbing the interiors and you aren’t actually using the traditional furnace, be sure to seal the chimney. The damper seal should be closed if no fire is on. Leaving it open is like having a huge window open. Some 24,000 cubic feet of warm air escapes from the interiors to the exteriors through Santa Claus’s entryway, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Another simple house rehabbing tip to save on heating costs is having the furnace checked before working on the interiors. This way, you won’t have to worry about working frozen on colder months. Once the pro gives you a go-signal, then move inside and continue with your project. Don’t forget to keep the thermostat at just the right level. Setting it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit at day should be enough, unless it’s terribly cold. According to estimates, your bill can go down by as much as 5% just by adjusting the temperature.

That tip brings us to the next one. If you lowered the thermostat and felt that it was inadequate, you can try grabbing an extra sweater or jacket. If it doesn’t work then raise the temperature again. But chances are a few extra thick clothing will do the trick. Be sure to cover your ears and your extremities.

If the sun is shining, get a little help from it. Open curtains during the day and close them at night. Doing so will let sunshine and heat in. It would help if you used insulated curtains when doing rehab homes during cold months. An insulated curtain system will usually include a reflective vapor barrier which blocks moisture, a film that reflects heat back to the room, a foam that prevents heat from escaping, and another layer that also helps keep the interiors warm.

Finally, when house rehabbing, you can save heating costs by knowing more about ceiling fans. These fans aren’t only meant to keep users refreshed during hot summer days, they can also be used in hot air circulation during winter. Typically, ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise to provide a cool breeze. By reversing its direction and setting it a low speed, the fan can serve as an air circulator. It can suck air upward and eventually drive down warm air.

Just remember, the basic premise of these house rehabbing tips is to create heat and keep it as much as possible inside without relying too much on electricity. Use them and start saving on your heating bills while holding and repairing the property.

1. Remember those little details. Perhaps one of the simplest but most effective bang for buck repairs is installing a tower bar and bathrobe hooks. Towel bars and hooks are very cheap and come in a variety of models. They are also very easy to install, often needing just a set of screws. Small details like these are actually very helpful when flipping properties.
2. Rock it with a towel rack. If you don’t like the plastic towel bars, you can always go for vintage-inspired wooden racks. Ask your carpenter to build you one, or if you have the skills, you can DIY it. Be sure the rack is made from smooth and clean wood. Finish it with nice clean paint. You must never run out of “recycling” ideas when flipping properties because they save you time and money.
3. Great bathrooms have nice medicine cabinets. When flipping properties, you need not use fancy, over-the-top models. A simple but refinished cabinet will do. You can even use second hand furniture from thrift and architecture salvage shops. The medicine cabinet is a sign of organization within the room and home buyers love organized bathrooms – most often because their existing bathroom is a mess.
4. Dress it up with a vanity. If space allows it, you can install a dresser vanity. Also, do this if you won’t need too much plumbing. For instance, if there are existing pipes on one wall, you can use them to supply water for the faucet on that vanity. You can even use an old-school approach to this. If you have a vintage dresser, you can convert it into a bathroom dresser vanity y replacing the top with stone or other water-proof material and drilling some holes to make way for the pipes. You have to be creative when flipping houses, right?
5. Kick that old faucet out. It’s standard to replace all faucets, shower heads, and handles when rehabbing bathrooms. Like towel bars and bathrobe hooks, these are very cheap pieces that greatly affect the overall appeal of a bathroom. The shinier, the better. Replacing a bathroom faucet also does not require too much skill so you can actually assist your plumber in doing this. Make sure though that your choices fit the appeal of the room. If you’re going modern, go for modern designs.
6. Serve the soap dish right. Here at Rehab Real Estate, we can seem to get enough of minute details. So, here’s the last tiny detail you shouldn’t forget. Remember to install a soap dish if the wall does not have an enclave for it. It’s cheap, it’s simple to install, and it’s effective.

Remember these simple upgrades before you start procrastinating on your flipping property business. When flipping properties, stay focused on the rehab job and don’t give in to pressure. Happy rehabbing!

The first type, and probably the one you looked for in the first part, is jalousie. This type is also called louvers and is easily distinguishable. It’s made of several slats, usually glass but in some cases wood, set in clips. They can be closed with one lever attached to the metal clip. When flipping homes in Florida or other sub-tropical areas, jalousie windows are perfect because they are good for ventilation. On the contrary, they are not ideal for rehab projects in very cold areas.

Another type of operable window you are likely to meet when flipping homes are tilt-turn windows. These are similar to the casement, except that tilt-turn can be turned a full 180 degrees. When using this European-styled type for your rehab projects, don’t forget to install proper locking mechanisms. Multipoint locking systems are ideal. Safety after all, is crucial in building a home, regardless if that property is located in a nice neighborhood.

With the operable windows list done, we can move on to fixed types. These are usually used when flipping homes, or in new construction, to primarily provide additional lighting. They are also used for aesthetic purposes. This is especially true in the case of “top” windows. These are the fixed top portions of windows and are typically round, semi-circle, or geometrical.

You are also likely to encounter bay windows when doing rehab projects. These are the types that simple project out. They are perfect for rooms that can use extra space and natural lighting. They are usually composed of three sections, the center and two sides. The center is parallel with the wall while the sides may be angle or perpendicular to the wall, forming a box. Also, the center is likely to be fixed. On the sides, rehabbers can use casement types.

Similar to bay windows are bow windows, which also project out. The only difference is that bow windows form a bow – or a gentle curve – and therefore has more than three sections. Similarly, you can fix the center sections and use casement types for side parts, as in bay windows.

This flipping homes article would not be completed without glass blocks, which some rehabbers use as “walls” instead of windows. These are literally blocks of glass that vary in size. They also come in squares and rectangles. If you want some natural light but don’t want people to see what’s inside, you don’t have to go tinting windows. You can simply use glass blocks, which offers various levels of blur. However, as they concern tweaking with the wall, they may not be a good option when rehabbing homes.

The types of windows discussed in Parts 1 and 2 sum up the common models you’ll find when flipping homes. Learn to study their uses and advantages and apply that knowledge when rehabbing homes.