Wish you could make money by renovating homes DIY -style and selling them on again?
Deborah Marshall, 47, has been flipping houses in Yorkshire for eight years alongside her husband Paul, 44.
The duo have renovated and sold five houses while working full time jobs.
Now, they’re offering a service which gives advice to homeowners wanting to refurbish their homes (debmarshallrenovates@gmail.com).
The couples last project was a three bed 1930s semi-detached – and they took home £45k in profit from the sale.
Deborah told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk : “We tend to choose houses that have been lived in for years and never been touched.”
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She added: “We turn them back into homes again.”
If you want to try flipping houses, then Deborah and Paul have some advice:
Do your research
Deborah said: “You may need to sit at your computer for hours researching where you could find things a bit cheaper.
“Some people can’t be bothered, but this is how I save a lot of money.
“I’ll happily spend an evening looking for the best deal on kitchen cupboard handles.
“It may save me just £50, but if I apply this money-saving approach five times during a project then that’s an extra £250 in my pocket.”
Stay true to the style of the house
Deborah explained: “To save money when renovating, always look to the style of the house, as well as any special features that you can make the most of, such as a chimney breast or high ceilings.
“Working with the house rather than against it will save you cash by avoiding any unnecessary changes.”
Avoid making structural changes
“We try not to touch anything structurally, as it costs money,” Deborah said.
“Plus, it saves the time we would have spent applying for planning permission.
“If you start knocking things down, or even want to switch out a window, you need to ensure you are doing it within the regulations.
“If you’re working on your forever home, however, then I would advise making those bigger changes you know will be best for your lifestyle in the long run. Knocking down walls to create modern, open-plan spaces, for instance, is hugely popular, and with good reason.”
Don’t always choose cheap
Deborah noted: “Buy the best materials you can afford at the time.
“We’ve plumped for real oak floors, for instance, at times when we may have been able to get away with laminate, but when you get the best you can afford, it’s likely to last you longer, which is ultimately better value.
“People appreciate quality, so ensure your upgrades have a good finish.”
Compare furniture size with space
She said: “When furnishing on a budget, the most important factor is that the items are a great fit for the space.
“When selling a house, I will often offer to throw in the furniture for the same price I bought it for to sweeten the deal.
“It represents huge value for the buyer, as their current furniture may not work as well in the space – and the same goes for me if I have to move it all to a new house.”