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🏡 7-Day Series: The Fifty Steps to Rehabbing a House 🏡 4/7
Day 4: The Heart of the House – HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing
Now that the house is solid, it’s time to get the essential systems up and running—aka the stuff that makes it livable. Today, we’re talking HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. These aren’t the most exciting parts of a flip, but trust me, they’re some of the most important. Mess these up, and you’ll be dealing with big, expensive problems later.
🔹 Step 19 & 20: HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
A working HVAC system is a huge deal—no one wants to buy a house that’s too hot in the summer or freezing in the winter. What you’ll need to do depends on the system’s condition:
💨 Basic tune-up – If it’s in decent shape, a service might be all it needs.
❄️ Partial replacement – Swapping out the indoor unit or condenser can extend its life.
🔥 Full replacement – If the system is ancient (or missing), just bite the bullet and install a new one.
Pro Tip: A new HVAC can be pricey, but it’s a huge selling point. Buyers love knowing they won’t have to replace it anytime soon.
🔹 Step 21 & 23: Plumbing & Electrical (Inside Walls & Ceilings)
Before you close up the walls, make sure all the important stuff is squared away:
✅ Plumbing – Replace any old, leaky pipes, move fixtures if needed, and double-check water pressure.
✅ Electrical – Upgrade outdated wiring, install new outlets, and make sure the panel can handle modern appliances.
Heads up: If you’re not a pro, hire one for this stage. Bad electrical or plumbing work can lead to floods, fires, and failed inspections—none of which you want to deal with.
Once you’ve got these systems locked in, you’re over some of the biggest hurdles in your rehab. Tomorrow, we’ll cover insulation, drywall, and making the place start to feel like a home again!
👉 Come back for Day 5: Walls, Insulation & Drywall – Time to Cover It Up! 🏠💡🚰