Sell a House That Needs Major Renovations

What counts as a major renovation

• A full gut rehab with new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
• Structural or foundation repairs
• A roof replacement combined with interior water damage
• Homes that have not been updated in decades
• Additions or conversions that need to be permitted or removed
• Houses where the land may be worth more than the structure

Why big projects are hard for owners

A major renovation often needs an architect or engineer, permits, licensed contractors for each trade, and inspections along the way. Budgets tend to grow once walls are opened, and financing a renovation is harder than financing a purchase. For an owner who is not in the construction business, the time and risk can outweigh the potential gain.

When a renovation has already started

Unfinished projects are common. The money ran out, a contractor left, or permits expired before the work passed inspection. A half-finished house can be harder to sell than one that was never touched, because buyers have to figure out what was done, whether it was permitted, and what it will take to finish. We review partial work, open permits, and the remaining scope, and make an offer on the property as it stands.

How we price a full renovation

We estimate what the home would be worth fully renovated, the realistic cost and time to get it there, including permits and carrying costs, and the cost of reselling it. The difference, less a margin for the risk involved, is the basis of our offer. We walk you through that math so you can compare it with doing the project yourself.

Frequently asked questions