Important considerations before renovation of a home
"Do you know your house?"
This is the sixth post of seven part series. Please check back often to see the next one.
Step 6: " Know what you have!"
Besides the items already listed so far on this blog series, there are a few other things we’ll need to consider, before seriously planning the remodeling or renovation of your home.
You have done your homework and due diligence and have gone through the steps earlier here. Now you have to consider the facts in terms of brick and mortar. How the house was designed and constructed.
It’s about taking a closer look at your home and its potentials and deficiencies in a physical sense. Does it present an opportunity or is it a money pit? I break this down in two main categories:
1- “Does your house have good bones?!”
- Structural integrity & character
Does the house meet the basic requirements for a sound structural system or, as commonly known in the industry, does it have good bones? Does it have a sound foundation? Floor joists, walls and roof systems are up to standard specifications?
For that you need the services of an architect, engineer or a knowledgeable building contractor. A close inspection and evaluation of the house existing conditions and its structural components, is a critical step before planning a renovation or an addition.
There are secondary structural concerns as well, such as signs of water intrusion and mold. What would be the cost of any remedies for that? Inherent character of the house such as existing low ceiling heights will not be easy or cheap to alter.
Easy, possible options for removing existing walls or create new openings, is another important factor to keep in mind.
These are only a few items which can complicate the design process and your budget. Awareness and good information in this area is the key to a successful project or one with many delays and cost overruns.
2- "Are you using what you have?"
- Use of existing spaces
Remodeling the existing spaces without additions and expanding outward could save a lot of money.
It might be a good idea to pause and look at the house without any attachments. Try looking as an outsider and see if you have considered all options.
In many cases the original design and layout of an older home home is perhaps outdated and inefficient for today’s lifestyle.
Contemporary living these days requires more open floor plans. How can we redesign and combine smaller, separate spaces into a better functioning, more efficient, layout?
I have often witnessed cramped, poorly planned homes with plenty of square footage to work with. In many cases smart redesign and clever rearranging of the spaces can result amazing outcome.
For that, of course, you need to work with an architect, experienced in residential market. Which bring us to the next step and perhaps the most important step:
“Do it right”; The importance of a working with professionals and its impact on the final outcome.
Check back soon for the final step.