5 Things Homeowners Wish They’d Known Sooner About Buying a Fixer-Upper, According to Redditors

Navigating today’s high-priced housing market as a buyer is no small feat. Attending open houses and home inspection walkthroughs can be tiring, but the hardest part is often finding a property that fits within your budget.

That’s why many buyers turn to fixer-uppers. Though they require some work after moving in, the cheaper price on the front end seems worth it for many. For the inexperienced, though, there can be rude awakenings. People who’ve purchased fixer-uppers recently took to Reddit to discuss the things they wished they’d known before signing on the dotted line.

Here are the mistakes they want you to watch out for, plus some valuable input from the pros.

Ask a Trusted General Contractor to Do a Full Assessment

Even if you’re well-versed in the world of renovating, it’s worth consulting with a contractor. “The best money I spent was hiring a trusted, knowledgeable general contractor to do a full assessment,” wrote one Redditor. “I tackle the DIY-friendly stuff myself and hire out the rest. But his input has been super helpful prioritizing understanding costs, system lifespans, etc.”

In other words, don’t dive into projects alone. You might get in over your head. “There are professionals in the home improvement space for a reason; homes are complex!” says Michael DiMartino, senior vice president of installations at Power Home Remodeling. “What might seem in fine shape to the average homeowner could actually be a tell-tale sign to a professional that there’s something serious to address.”

If you’re embarking on a large renovation project that requires multiple trade disciplines—like plumbing, roofing, and electrical—a general contractor should have the high-level expertise and construction knowledge to help guide the homeowner in the renovation process.

Gut as Much as You’re Comfortable With—and Consider Living Elsewhere While You Renovate

Though it may not be ideal to put off moving into your new home, some buyers say it’s worth it, especially if there’s a long list of projects to be done.

To find out what you need to address, a Redditor recommends gutting the home as much as it makes sense to. “You’ll see the stuff that needs the most attention clearly,” they say. “If you can ‘rip the Band-Aid’ off quickly like this, you can also fix it all quickly, too.”

Peter Andra, owner and general contractor at Kalispell Contracting, says he sees homeowners do the initial demolition work all the time. While gutting a home yourself is fine, he points out that putting it back together is where you need professional help.

“As long as you’re not moving anything structural, DIY gutting is great,” Andra says. “Contractors actually prefer it if you get sheetrock, insulation, and flooring out of the way before they come so it is easier for them to see what they’re working with for estimates.”

Focus on Systems First, then the Cosmetic Stuff

A recent buyer underscored the importance of updating the essentials—the roof, foundation, plumbing, insulation, electrical systems, and more—before addressing any cosmetic upgrades. Though it may seem like common sense, the cosmetic projects are often the fun ones. Why wouldn’t you want to dive headfirst into those?

“Hands down, homeowners should focus on the projects that require maintenance upfront—the aesthetics can come after. The sooner you tackle maintenance projects, the less cost you incur in the long run.” DiMartino says. “Once those are taken care of and squared away, then you can daydream (without worry) about what color to paint the dining room.”

He recommends going over your home inspection report to see which systems need the most attention first. It can help you formulate a plan for renovating.

Find Out How Old the Electrical Wiring Is

Another Redditor points out that you’ll want to take a good look at the electrical wiring, especially if you plan on adding smart home features to the property at some point. 

“If the home hasn’t been rewired since the ‘70s or earlier, it may have knob-and-tube, cloth-insulated, rubber, or even aluminum wiring. These aren’t just old; they can be unsafe and red flags to look out for,” explains Ryan Gregor, owner and head electrician at RCG Electrical. “Also, check for capacity—older systems weren’t built for EV chargers, induction cooktops, or full-home air conditioning.”

So if you’re upgrading appliances or planning an extension, your system might need a full overhaul, not just patchwork fixes. His main advice is pretty simple: Get a licensed electrician to inspect before you buy, just like you would a building or pest inspection. “You’ll get a clear idea of costs, risks, and what absolutely needs attention,” he says.

Pay Attention to the Smells—and Get to the Bottom of Them ASAP

Tour a place with your eyes and your nose, says one buyer who lives in a century-old home. “Pay attention to smells, especially if they increase significantly in the heat/wet, and try to get to the bottom of them sooner or later,” they wrote. “They could be mold, old pet stains in the subfloor, or an animal in the chimney.”

The main thing to remember? They won’t go away on their own. “If you enter a space that immediately smells musty or wet, chances are it’s been prone to some sort of water infiltration, leak, or poor ventilation,” DiMartino says. “This is something to address quickly to make sure there isn’t a larger issue hidden behind walls or rotted wood.”

Water is the enemy, say several Redditors. It can cause a host of problems, so sorting out issues like grading toward the foundation, mold, and roof leaks is key. “Where there’s a will, water will find a way,” DiMartino adds. “It’s one of the biggest culprits of both interior and exterior home damage because of its ability to seep through even the smallest of cracks.”

If all of this advice excites you (rather than spooks you), here are the best cities to buy a fixer-upper right now.