Potential investors will have a checklist of items on which they will insist meet their standards as they evaluate real estate.

Does your checklist match up? Property rehabilitation is of vital importance and it’s a task that should be a priority long before your real estate is listed.

Many investment properties are bought low for a reason – they need work. Due diligence will dictate how you approach your upgrades and your rehabilitation efforts.

For instance, properties in more affluent neighborhoods are highly sought after and can bring top dollar, but they are also outfitted with premium appliances, countertops, landscaping and fixtures. You’ll want to invest appropriately in these upgrades if you’re going to capture a buyer at the highest price point.

Other neighborhoods are filled with properties with minimal upgrades, which means investing in granite countertops and stainless kitchen appliances could actually put you in the hole because nobody will be willing to pay your asking price for said upgrades.

Once you’ve nailed down how you’re going to approach your property rehabilitation, you’ll need to find a third party that can handle all your needs. Rather than sub-contracting out every single job, pick a company that offers all-inclusive services.

Here is a list of services your contractor should be able to execute flawlessly:

• Landscaping, repairs to outbuildings, and exterior lighting.
• Removal and installation of appliances.
• Inspection and repair or replacement of HVAC.
• Plumbing inspection and repair.
• Aesthetic and structural improvements to interiors.
• Structural inspection and repair of foundation, roof, windows and doors, masonry, carpentry and other structures.
• Inspection and rehabilitation or replacement of flooring, tile, carpet, counters and cabinets.
• Evaluation of paint and design of aesthetically pleasing scheme for interior walls.
• Evaluation and elimination of local and region code violations.

Code violations can significantly impact how your real estate goes to market. Don’t get caught in this web – make certain your third party contractor has a clean record and the knowledge needed to make every job meet the local and regional codes that apply to your property.