Real Estate Investment Rehab Timeline

The 3 major goals of any Real Estate investor are to stay in budget, stay on a timeline and make a return.  Every project is different.  Some investors feel comfortable buying a home that need minor repairs, some have the resources to rehab diamonds in the rough.  The best asset for either of these undertakings is a plan.  In a way, it’s comparable to cooking a gourmet meal.  You have to time everything right, in the right sequence and it’s all about multi-tasking and time management.  AND you want to do all of these things without compromising quality.  If you’re looking into your next real estate investment, here is a great Rehab Guideline to build your schedule around from RealtyBizNews.com by Brian Kline.

Phase 1: All of the following items are the first things to do and can be done at the same time independent of each other.

Pull Permits.

Demo (exterior and interior).

Install Glass Block Windows.

Install new Roof.

Install Garage Door.

Phase 2: Once Phase 1 items are complete, you move on to Phase 2:

Siding/Fascia/Soffit: Siding is in Phase 2 because while tearing off the roof shingles (Phase 1), the debris might scratch or damage the siding, fascia, soffit, and/or gutters.

Porches and decks.

Framing: Any framing for closets, doors, widening rooms, adding a wall, etc. come after demo.

Rough Trades: These are electrical, mechanical, and plumbing and they come in after demo but before drywall because they will be cutting holes to do their work.

Phase 3:

Drywall: Drywall is after rough trades and framing.

Subfloors: Subfloors are done in preparation for ceramic tile in the kitchen and baths, and for carpet or wood floors.

Any patch work or repairs.

Gutters: Now that fascia, soffit, and roof work is complete, gutters can be installed.

Phase 4:

Backer-Board/Tile.

Hang Doors.

Phase 5:

Ceramic tile.

Set Cabinets/Vanities: Ceramic tile must be done before setting cabinets/vanities because the cabinets go on top of the tile.

Phase 6:

Appliances: Once cabinets are set, appliances can be installed.

Granite: Once cabinets are set, granite can be installed.

Final Plumbing: Install all of the fixtures.

Phase 7:

Wood Floors: Once wood floors are finished, they are covered with paper and plastic.

Base Trim.

Phase 8:

Paint.

Landscaping.

Phase 9:

Carpet: Carpet is after paint so as to not get paint on the carpet.

Final Electrical: Install all the light fixtures. This is done after paint so as to not get paint on the lights.

Final Mechanical.

Phase 10:

Punch List.

Phase 11:

Final Cleaning.

Schedule your contractors appropriately, as doing work out of sequence may end up costing you more time and money by having to redo it.  Having as many projects going on at once that don’t affect each other is a great way to schedule your renovation and stay organized with contractors.  Any well-planned rehab is sure to be a success!