Inclign Construction

WHY HOME REMODEL MAY BE YOUR BEST OPTION

Knowing the answer to this question will help you make successful decisions.

Your other options are to buy a different home that can meet your needs or build a new home from scratch that can do the same.

To better answer this question let’s look at why you may not want to remodel your existing home:

  1. If you’re adding to the footprint of your home the costs are not any cheaper than building new, at least not the portion that is expanding the existing footprint.
  2. Home Remodels tend to have hidden costs due to existing conditions that are difficult to anticipate.
  3. Where will you live during the project? The other 2 options mentioned above don’t have this problem, because presumably you already live somewhere else.
  4. Your satisfaction level with the original portions of the home may diminish once the new portions come to life. Then you may feel compelled to expand the project thereby costing you more than you expected.

Now, rebuttals to these points can be found within these points and may be why the Home Remodel is your best option:

  1. There are natural cost savings by not having to build everything new. Or the long-term savings of not incurring a new mortgage with associated interest rate and real estate fees by buying a new place.
  2. There can also be hidden savings (see #1. above) or at least, reasonable decisions that can postpone expenses by limiting the scope of the remodel, until you can afford other upgrades.
  3. Maybe moving is not an option for you so remodeling is naturally your best home improvement option.
  4. Home Remodels give you greater cost control precisely because it is a remodel. With new construction you are limited to the necessities of the total construction process.

Additionally; what is unique to Home Remodel vs. Buying New or Building New…

  1. Many home remodels are inspired by the original character of a home and are a respectful response to this character. By honoring the original home, the remodel can function to both restore the original character and improve your own living conditions.
  2. By remodeling older homes, resources of; talent, material and energy are given extended life, a tribute to the past and a gift to the future.

Inclign embraces the challenges of an inspired home remodel.

Quick Tip; List the reasons you chose to remodel your home and remind yourself, when things get tough.

PRACTICALITIES

Practicalities can be the constraints that allow one to focus on the “flourishes”, or the victory over mediocrity, much like a string constrains a kite which in turn pulls the kite into soaring flight.

  • Existing Conditions;

Since existing conditions will drive much of how your remodel will develop, I find it helpful to understand the original design and function intent of the home.

Note: Harmonize your remodel aspirations with the original design and function of the home so they blend seamlessly, and you will not need to spend extra money upgrading the entire home.

Anticipate existing conditions that may present challenges;

  • Hazardous materials
    • Lead paint
    • Asbestos materials; plaster, flooring, insulation, particle tiles, popcorn ceilings, etc.
  • Old oil tanks
  • Not up to current codes
  • Lead pipes
  • Knob and tube wiring
  • Electrical panel
  • Railings
  • Landings

Inclign is here to help make the stale, FRESH again.

  • Budget; Study this all-important factor. To keep the peace with all the players involved don’t compromise on your budget. Be realistic about cost overruns, they often happen. So, keep the budget below your resources and don’t be surprised if you must dip into your reserves.

Some quick contractor bid tips:

  • If you can afford it, pay others to do the work
  • Get 3 bids for as much of the work as you can
  • Ask the contractors for references
  • Ask for a breakdown of costs and detailed description from your 1st bid then give the details to the other bidders, so they have matching scopes
  • Be aware of deposit requests
  • Be aware of taxes
  • Be aware of change order language and how costs can add up
  • Be aware of the exclusions in the bids
  • Compare product recommendations from various sources
  • There usually is more than one good way to build so don’t get too worried about alternate approaches. If you’re not sure, ask a pro on your team (see “Next Steps” below)
  • Confirm the warranty on products
  • Code Compliance; Your jurisdiction may require certain upgrades, to meet current code standards. On the other hand, if you are not disturbing portions of your home you may not need to upgrade to current standards.

The most common upgrades involve life safety, for example;

  • smoke and carbon monoxide detector/alarms
  • Electrical outlets
  • Railings and step landings
  • Egress; route of escape
  • Seismic and structural improvements
  • Safety clearances, around; fireplaces, furnaces, electrical panels, water heaters
  • Tempered glass

TYPES OF REMODEL

Different types of remodels have their own dynamics that change how the project is tackled.

Going Up;

This is usually accomplished by removing the roof and adding a floor. This can be cheaper than “Going Out”, because there is no ground work or foundations.

This has the potential for you to live in the home during the project, not without disruption. though. Certain structural upgrades to the lower level are likely necessary.

Going Out;

Adding on to your home, by extending the footprint, tends to be more expensive than “Going Up”. This also has the benefit of allowing you to remain in your home during the project, and with a bit less disruption than “going Up”.

Combination;

You may need/want both Going Up and Going Out. Potentially more disruption to living in the home during construction.

Restoration;

This is for homes that have historical value. This may or may not involve an addition. Sometimes these projects require extensive custom work by trade specialists.

Remediation;

Repair work may be necessary because of damage from a wide variety of causes, natural or otherwise. The necessity of remediation can morph into an upgrade for other parts of the home at the same time.

Cosmetic;

This is the simplest kind of remodel. The kind house flippers look for.  Generally, no permit will be required.

Is a permit required?

You will likely need a permit if you plan to;

  • Relocate plumbing fixtures
  • Relocate or eliminate electrical wiring
  • Upgrade the heating system
  • Add any permanent structure overhead; inside or outside
  • Add any permanent structure to walk on 30” above any surrounding area
  • Abate (remove) any hazardous materials

See our Projects:

Deciding Next Steps on your Project

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