What to Renovate First After Buying a Fixer-Upper

Buying a fixer-upper can feel exciting at first, until you walk through the door and realize how much work it needs. Cracked tiles, old appliances, weird smells, and walls that haven’t seen fresh paint since the ‘80s can quickly make you question your decision. But don’t worry. With the right plan, you can turn that tired home into something amazing, without doing it all at once.

If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re not alone. The best approach is to focus on the things that make the biggest impact early on. This guide breaks it down for you, step by step, so you can renovate smart and avoid getting overwhelmed.

1. Start with the Structure and Safety

Before picking out paint or dreaming about your perfect kitchen, make sure your home is safe and stable. This means checking the foundation, roof, electrical wiring, and plumbing. These parts might not be visible, but they matter more than anything else when it comes to making your home livable.

Bring in a licensed inspector if one hasn’t already gone through the place. If you already know what needs fixing, don’t wait for it. Issues like leaky pipes, roof damage, or unsafe wiring should be your top priorities. They can get worse over time and lead to bigger problems later.

A lot of these issues start (or hide) in the basement. It’s one of the most overlooked areas in older homes, yet it’s often where moisture, mold, and old electrical lines live. If your basement needs attention, reach out to professional basement remodelers. They know how to turn a dark, damp area into something bright, dry, and functional.

2. Address Heating, Cooling, and Insulation

Next up: comfort. An old furnace or broken AC can make your home uncomfortable fast, especially in extreme weather. If your HVAC system is more than 15 years old or not working right, replace it early in the process. It’s also easier to install or upgrade ductwork before you start any cosmetic changes like flooring or painting.

Insulation is just as important. Many older homes aren’t insulated well, which means they cost more to heat and cool. Check the attic, walls, and basement to make sure your home isn’t leaking air. Adding insulation now can lower your utility bills and make the whole space feel more comfortable year-round.

3. Focus on the Kitchen

Once the major systems are sorted out, move on to the kitchen. This room tends to be the heart of the home, and it’s usually one of the most-used spaces. Plus, a nice kitchen adds real value to your property.

You don’t have to go all-out right away. Small updates like replacing old cabinets, installing new countertops, and swapping outdated appliances can go a long way. If you’re working with a tight budget, prioritize function. Make sure the layout works and that everything’s up to code. A new backsplash or open shelving can always come later.

Try to keep plumbing and gas lines in place. Moving them can get expensive fast. Stick to improving what’s already there before rethinking the entire layout.

4. Update the Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another space that can seriously age a home. Old grout, stained tubs, and rusty fixtures are common in fixer-uppers. These rooms also tend to have hidden problems like mold, slow leaks, or poor ventilation.

If the house has more than one bathroom, focus on updating one at a time. Start with the one that gets the most use. Replace broken tiles, fix water damage, and update anything that looks or smells bad. New lighting, mirrors, and faucets can make a big difference without breaking the bank.

And if the layout is okay, keep it. Like kitchens, moving plumbing in bathrooms can drive up costs.

5. Make the Home Feel Clean and Fresh

Once the main systems and important rooms are in good shape, it’s time to freshen up the rest. A simple coat of paint, updated flooring, and new light fixtures can make a home feel brand new. These are the kinds of changes that make living in your house more enjoyable, especially if you’re planning to stay there while you work on other areas.

If your budget is tight, prioritize the rooms you spend the most time in, like the living room or main bedroom. Bright white walls, clean floors, and working lights go a long way toward making a house feel like a home.

And don’t forget the details, switch plates, doorknobs, and cabinet pulls. Swapping these out is easy and makes everything feel more modern.

6. Plan Cosmetic Touches Last

The last thing on your list should be the extras. Things like crown molding, built-in shelving, or fancy hardware can wait until the core spaces are done. It’s tempting to spend money on design right away, but it’s better to make sure your house is safe, clean, and functional first.

By this point, you’ll also have a better feel for the space. You’ll know what works and what doesn’t. Maybe you thought you wanted open shelving in the kitchen, but after living there, you realize closed cabinets are more practical. Waiting gives you time to figure that out.

So hold off on the finishing touches. They’ll be more rewarding after you’ve handled the big stuff.

Taking on a fixer-upper isn’t for the faint of heart, but it can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever do. The key is knowing where to start. Focus on what matters most: safety, comfort, and livable space. Once you’ve tackled the structural work, heating and cooling, and main living areas, everything else becomes easier and more fun. There’s no need to rush the process. Work through your list one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s hiring a pro for your basement or replacing a faucet on your own, every step you take brings you closer to a home that truly fits your needs.

Written by Billy Guteng. July 17, 2025

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.