This is Part 2 of the two-part feature on rehabbing and painting exteriors like a pro. In the first article, we discussed the cleaning of walls and scraping of old paint. It also touched on sanding. With the walls cleaned and smoothened, it’s time to make sure they are paintable. The next step to this exteriors makeover is filling in cracks and repairing some wood if necessary.

First, take a good look at the walls. Do you need to replace some parts? Or will patching suffice? If there are a lot of rotted or damaged wood, then start the job right away. You might need an experienced carpenter for this. But when rehabbing properties, chances are you’ve already inspected them well and there’s no need for this huge replacement.

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One of the most basic repairs one can do when rehabbing houses is painting exteriors. It is your announcement to the world that the dilapidated property that used to sit on that neglected lot is now a new home, ready to be occupied by new owners. That is why it is crucial that you paint exteriors like a pro. If your contractor can do it, then that’s good. But if you need to do the job on your own and you do not have any prior background on this matter, it is better that you read this two-part guide.

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Linoleum flooring has been overshadowed by other materials for rehabbing interiors. However, it is now making a comeback. That is why rehabbers still need to learn about this flooring material; you’ll never know when you might use it. Read on and discover some basic information about the classic flooring material known today as “lino.”

Linoleum flooring is made from linoxyn (solidified linseed oil), pine rosin, ground cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate. Manufacturers combine these on a most commonly on a burlap or canvas backing and add pigments. This rehabbing interiors material was invented by Englishman Frederick Walton. It was so popular then that the word “linoleum” became a generic term less than 15 years of its invention in 1860. People then splashed it on areas that were often used such as hallways and passages.

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Buying a cordless drill is inevitable for investors who plan on making repairs on their own, using their own arsenal of rehabbing tools. This tool brings great convenience not only when having to drive a screw to hang portraits. It also allows contractors to drive screws and drill holes into harder surfaces with minimal effort, and without worrying if the power cord will reach the outlet.

But with all the available models in the store, you could get lost on which model to use. So for those who are planning to buy a cordless drill, here are some helpful ideas you might want to consider first.

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Making sure your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) works properly is one of your priorities when rehabbing interiors. One way to do this is to see to it that the HVAC duct is clean. All types of ducts – often not maintained in fixer upper homes – must be clean and free of pollutants. These “tubes” help filter the air we breathe inside the house. They make sure the occupants of a home are safe from the pollution of the outside world. They also keep the interior environment a comfortable condition.

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In rehabbing, or any other form of real estate investing, having quotes that you could get back to every time you feel down is crucial. Inspirational and motivational quotes serve as road signs to guide you where you are going. Motivation is indeed a powerful tool in this business. So before you go crazy and crumble to the stress that’s pushing you down, read and remember these very helpful quotes today.

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. – Elbert Hubbard. You can sum this up in one word: act. Success in rehabbing houses belongs to those who act, not to those who keep thinking whether they will succeed in this business or not. If you fail, then you are simply back to where you were. But if you succeed in your first rehab, you are a few thousand dollars richer. It is better to act than to be haunted by “what if’s” for the rest of your life.

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In any rehabbing project, there must be a team leader. In fact, any concerted team effort should have a leader. In most cases, it will be you, the real estate investor. So what role does the contractor play then? He will serve as the executioner of the team leader’s plans. In short, you direct the contractor and his assistants act. So to be able to work as a team, here are some tips you must follow on being the boss.

Know what you want. Even before you hire a contractor and ask for project proposals, you must know what you want to happen to the property you bought. With the help of a professional home inspector, you must be able to determine which parts of the property need cosmetic repairs. Pin-point too what portions of the house you want to be revamped. Know how much you are willing to spend on repairs. That way, your contractor will be able to make recommendations based on your budget and plans.

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When rehabbing exteriors, building a dog house is not deemed necessary. But if you live in areas where owning a pet is a huge fad, chances are the families who will buy the house you are fixing will have a pet as well. Also, if the neighboring houses have dog houses seen from the road, it will be a plus if your property also had one. This is simply adding value to the house you are selling. So if you have some leftover paint and lumber, and of course time, build a house for our canine friends.

Since you’re building a dog house from excess or cheap material, chances are you will use wood. This is actually the top material for this rehabbing exteriors project. Wood is comfortable for dogs. You can buy dog homes made from plastic, metal, and fiberglass but that defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? The important thing when using wood is to ensure that it is safe for animals. Be sure to double check the material if there are no nails, staple wires, or other sharp objects on it. If it has splinters, use a wooden planer to smoothen it a bit. You can also use sand paper for this purpose.

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Rehabbing bathrooms is sometimes left to professionals because it concerns plumbing. But wouldn’t it be helpful if you knew how to make bathroom repairs and improvements like installing a new toilet? You’ll be able to assist the plumber in many repairs, eliminating the need to hire an assistant and pay that worker. So, if you intend to learn about it, here is the perfect guide for you.

For this rehabbing bathrooms repair, you will need a new toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a toilet seat, and bolts for bowl to flange. These parts usually come with the toilet package. As for the tools when installing a new toilet and other materials, you’ll need adjustable wrench, sponge, bucket, putty knife, old towel or rag, heavy gloves, mini hack saw, utility knife, latex rubber gloves, small disposable plastic cup, and silicon sealant.

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Using a handsaw is one of the inevitable parts when rehabbing houses. This tool, despite its simplicity, is very handy when renovating homes. It is integral in repairs and construction. A handsaw is the better half of the hammer. Its usefulness cannot be contested. It has been in existence for thousands of years, with Egyptian hieroglyphics even describing how ancient workers cut boards. In short, this tool is a classic. Not everyone knows how to use it the right way though. So for rehabbers who do repairs themselves, or those who want to help their contractors, here are some “cutting-edge” tips when using a handsaw.

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