The Jason Nelsworth Files

  • Key Areas to Focus When Renovating For Profit

    Key Areas to Focus When Renovating For Profit

    Renovating a property can be an excellent way to increase its value and generate a profit. However, to ensure that your renovation project is a success, it’s important to identify the key areas that will have the most significant impact on your property’s value. In this article, we’ll explore the areas to target when renovating for profit.

    Kitchen
    The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and it’s a space that can significantly impact your property’s value. Consider updating the cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to give the kitchen a modern and stylish look. You could also consider expanding the kitchen if possible, which would create additional space and make it a more functional area.

    Bathroom
    Bathrooms are another essential area to focus on when renovating for profit. Consider updating the tiles, fixtures, and fittings to give the bathroom a modern and luxurious feel. You could also consider adding an en-suite to the master bedroom, which would add value to your property and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

    Flooring
    Flooring is a crucial aspect of any property renovation project. Consider replacing old carpets with hardwood floors, which are more durable and easier to maintain. Alternatively, you could consider adding tiles or vinyl flooring, which are also popular choices for modern properties.

    Lighting
    Lighting is an often-overlooked aspect of property renovation, but it can significantly impact the look and feel of a room. Consider adding ceiling lights or installing dimmer switches to create a more comfortable and relaxing ambiance. You could also add accent lighting to highlight certain areas of the room, such as artwork or architectural features.

    Outdoor space
    Outdoor space is becoming increasingly important for many homeowners, and it’s an area that can significantly impact your property’s value. Consider adding a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen to create a more inviting and functional outdoor space. You could also consider adding landscaping features, such as trees, flowers, and shrubs, to create a more attractive and appealing outdoor area.

    Storage
    Storage is an essential aspect of any property, and it’s an area that many homeowners value highly. Consider adding built-in storage solutions, such as shelving or cupboards, to create more space and make the property more appealing to potential buyers.

    In conclusion, renovating a property for profit can be an excellent way to increase its value and generate a significant return on investment. By focusing on the areas listed above, you can create a modern, stylish, and functional property that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Remember to set a budget and work with a professional contractor to ensure that your renovation project is a success.

  • How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Moving Home

    How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Moving Home

    Moving house can be a stressful and costly experience, and unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous moving companies out there that are more than happy to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. In order to avoid getting ripped off, it’s important to take a few precautions and do your research before choosing a moving company. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to a moving scam:

    Get multiple quotes
Don't just go with the first moving company you come across - get quotes from platforms such as movingle.co.nz for several different companies. This will give you an idea of what the going rate is for your move, and will also help you weed out any companies that are significantly more expensive than the others.

Research the companies
Once you have a list of potential moving companies, do some research on each one. Check their reviews online, and look for any red flags such as a lack of licensing or insurance. You can also check with the Commerce Commission NZ to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company.

Get everything in writing
Make sure you get a written quote from the moving company, and make sure it includes all the services you'll be getting. This should include things like packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, as well as any additional fees such as fuel surcharges or insurance. Don't sign anything until you've read through the entire contract and understand all the terms and conditions.

Be wary of lowball quotes
If a moving company offers you a quote that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some companies will lowball their quotes in order to get your business, and then add on additional fees once they have your belongings in their truck. Make sure you understand exactly what's included in the quote, and ask about any additional fees that might be added on later.

Don't pay upfront
A reputable moving company will never ask you to pay the full amount upfront. Instead, they'll typically require a deposit, with the rest of the payment due upon delivery. If a company insists on full payment upfront, it's a red flag and you should look elsewhere.

Check the inventory list
Before your belongings are loaded onto the moving truck, the moving company should provide you with an inventory list. Make sure you check this list carefully to ensure that everything is accounted for. If there are any discrepancies, bring them to the attention of the moving company before your belongings are loaded.

Ask for recommendations
One of the best ways to find a reputable moving company is to ask friends and family members for recommendations. If someone you know has had a good experience with a particular company, there's a good chance you will too.

    In conclusion, moving house can be a daunting experience, but by taking the time to do your research and follow these tips, you can ensure that you choose a reputable moving company and avoid getting ripped off. Remember to get multiple quotes, research the companies, get everything in writing, be wary of lowball quotes, don’t pay upfront, check the inventory list, and ask for recommendations. Good luck with your move!

  • What Defects to Look For When Looking to Purchase a House

    What Defects to Look For When Looking to Purchase a House

    One of the most important things a homebuyer can do when shopping for a new home is to inspect it for potential problems. This doesn’t just mean checking for mold or mildew–it also means making sure the appliances, pipes, and fixtures are functioning properly and that the property’s structure is in good condition.

    A home’s foundation is a crucial part of the property and it needs to be examined for any signs of cracking or subsidence. A foundation crack or subsidence can cause structural damage and can lead to flooding and serious water-related issues.

    The foundation is also a key indicator of the quality of the construction, so a qualified engineer should be hired to examine it. They should check the soil for problems like grading or drainage, retaining walls, and plant damage that might affect the foundation.

    Another key area that a professional should investigate is the basement, where it’s important to check for signs of water infiltration or sewage backup. A basement that floods or leaks can cause severe structural damage, which can make the home unlivable, as well as expensive to repair.

    A basement that is in poor condition could also lower the value of the home. Unless it’s been thoroughly inspected and upgraded, a buyer should not buy a home with basement problems.

    If you spot a problem during your walk through and the inspection, do not sign the closing documents without discussing it with your agent. They will know whether you have the right to rescind the transaction or back out, and how your state’s laws work in the situation.

    You can also file a lawsuit against the seller for undisclosed problems with the home. However, you’ll need to consult with an attorney to determine how to proceed.

    Buying a home is a long and complicated process, and it’s easy to miss some problems that aren’t necessarily obvious. But it’s not impossible to avoid major issues with a thorough inspection and by keeping a close eye on the property throughout the process.
    What defects to look for when looking to purchase an existing home

    Usually, buyers receive home inspections after they enter into a contract for the property. They typically get one or more professional inspections, and the results are used as evidence in the closing transaction.

    The inspector will look for any systems, components, or materials that are considered to be material defects, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. These include roofs, foundations, and electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems.

    Some systems and components may be beyond their normal useful life, but they still need to be inspected by an expert. This could be a furnace that’s been serviced but still has an issue, or a window that has been damaged by a storm or is no longer able to open and shut easily.

    Many states have requirements for sellers to disclose any material defects in the property before the sale is complete. This can include anything from minor flaws (like scratches on a kitchen counter) to major problems with a plumbing system, septic tank, or other system. If a seller fails to disclose any defects that are considered material, you have the right to cancel the transaction and recover some or all of your money from the seller, depending on the state.

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