How to Renovate

4 years ago

Hello,

We’ve been in our home for about 6 years and at that time of purchase we were set with only 2 kids. Then, I had a baby fever and added 2 more babies back to back. Now, we are thinking of remodeling the house and extending the home to add 2 more bedroom and a mother-in-law suite. We thought about selling the home and just move in to a bigger place but the cost of the homes now, HOA, high taxes, small backyards, no drive-thru access, etc. etc. just might not be a good option for us right now.

I have no idea about renovations or remodeling. Finding contractors, city approval, blue prints, etc. etc. No clue at all! Anyone can give me tips and ideas where to start, recommendations, how to proceed, any personal experiences that can help us?

Thank you.

Featured Answer

PRO

Charles Ross Homes

4 years ago

"American are innovators. We move things forward in response to challenges." That would be a refreshing change in residential construction. Innovations in new home construction in the U.S. have been adopted at a glacial pace. With a few exceptions (the principal one being the pneumatic nail gun,) the majority of homes in the U.S. are being built the same (stick framed) way and with the same levels of waste as was the norm more than half a century ago.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
4 years ago
Talk to a few local architects to get their opinions.
PRO
Aquaiaw Plumbing
4 years ago
I'm in the similar situation as you. I have two girls and they shared same bedroom for last few years. Now they need their own private space.

My opinion is: set a practical budget firstly, no matter for remodeling or for buying a new house, as no one knows how the lending rate will go in future. Secondly, to see the DIY ability of whole family. As room addition cost is high too and you can not add by ourselves, DIY to other parts could save some $ for you.

Good Lucky to You!
Related Professionals
Kearney Architects & Building Designers · Honolulu Architects & Building Designers · Pine Bluff Design-Build Firms · San Francisco Home Builders · Plainfield Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Bainbridge Tile and Stone Contractors · Roanoke Tile and Stone Contractors · Wilmington Home Remodeling · Quincy Home Remodeling · Hempstead Home Remodeling · Cornwall Home Remodeling · Laconia General Contractors · Lewiston Bathroom Remodelers · Tucson Bathroom Remodelers · Ottawa Bathroom Remodelers
Louise Smith
4 years ago
You should separate "Need" from "Want". That will help triage your spending. Nobody needs their own room; people want their own room.
dan1888
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You can start by using graph paper to measure and draw a floorplan of your existing house. Add measurements for all windows and doors. Do another layout of your property with the house located on the lot. Include the N-S orientation and climate location. You can check with your city Building Department about setback rules to see how close you can build to a property line.
dan1888
4 years ago
American are innovators. We move things forward in response to challenges. There'll be new solutions other than giving stuff up.
NagyMama
4 years ago
I think you should consider staying and making it work if you cannot afford to buy another home. The mess and chaos that a large renovation brings is always bigger than expected. Doing this with four children in the house boggles my mind.
PRO
User
4 years ago
Faster, bigger, and cheaper, has been construction trends since the post war era. With building costs soaring, and energy costs not far behind, it can only be hoped that the real estate market starts to reward smaller and more energy efficient homes with higher values. Requiring homes to have an energy audit and to publicize the results when selling could at least raise awareness. It has worked for many European markets.