Now Is The Time To Remodel
By Charles Wermers
Architect and Principal
Real Remodel
Do you love your neighborhood but think your house is closed in, out dated and inefficient? Do you just need more space because your family is expanding? Or, like many others in this economy, have you said to yourself “based on everything out there, I'm going to hunker down and make the best of my current living conditions.” Then remodeling may be an alternative to the ordeal of selling and buying a new home.
10 Reasons To Remodel Now
1.
Interest rates are low, so now is the perfect time to refinance and invest.
Interest rates are low, so now is the perfect time to refinance and invest.2.Fix everything at once. Older homes are in constant need of repair. Save your weekends and let the professionals do the work.
Fix everything at once. Older homes are in constant need of repair. Save your weekends and let the professionals do the work.3.Invest in something that improves your daily life while improving the resale value of your home.
Invest in something that improves your daily life while improving the resale value of your home.4. Create a better performing house while easing you conscience. "Green remodeling" helps save the planets resources while building a home that will be.
• Efficient and comfortable, saving you money every month on your utility bills
Efficient and comfortable, saving you money every month on your utility bills • Durable, decreasing the time and money that you spend for maintenance
Durable, decreasing the time and money that you spend for maintenance • And Healthy, making your home safer for your family and more pleasant
And Healthy, making your home safer for your family and more pleasant 5. Tax credits are available for energy saving improvements and green remodeling.
6. Expand. Create room to breathe. Open up some walls. Provide more light and air. Everyone enjoys larger and more functional spaces.
7.Make your house the envy of the neighborhood.
Make your house the envy of the neighborhood.8.Update and create appeal. Sometimes a 60’s kitchen is not retro cool. A new front porch can add loads of curb appeal.
Update and create appeal. Sometimes a 60’s kitchen is not retro cool. A new front porch can add loads of curb appeal.9.You can get it done fast. "Two or three years ago, when you called a contractor, it could be six months before he even returned your call," says Bernard Markstein, the director of forecasting and analysis for the National Association of Homebuilders. "Today, all you have to do is talk about a project you want to do, and three contractors will call you."
You can get it done fast. "Two or three years ago, when you called a contractor, it could be six months before he even returned your call," says Bernard Markstein, the director of forecasting and analysis for the National Association of Homebuilders. "Today, all you have to do is talk about a project you want to do, and three contractors will call you."10. When the market picks up, you will be ready. If you are eventually planning to put your house on the market, buyers will appreciate the upgrades you've made.
The reasons for remodeling are many and each job is unique so planning and design are crucial. Start with your own research. Look in books and browse the internet (a few links are listed below). Determine what you want and what you like. Then, depending upon your needs, you have several options on how to proceed.
There are generally three approaches to planning a project: the General Contractor, the Design/Build Contractor and the Architect. The General Contractor may be the solution where design needs are basic. The Design/Build Contractor benefits the homeowner by providing both quality design and construction services within the same company. A design/build contractor will be able to manage your project from start to finish providing a systematic approach that encompasses design, construction and budget. Major remodeling projects with complexity may require an Architect to provide construction drawings and contract documents. Some remodelers work with architects.
So plan, prioritize and Remodel Now.
Some online links for planning your remodel:
www.RemodelOrMove.com. Find calculators for cost estimating and comparing that cost to the cost of moving. Also find links to finding a qualified contractor in your area.
www.reGreenProgram.org. Green your project with the REGREEN Strategy Generator.
www.NAHB.org. Go here and enter REMODEL in the search box. You can find good information on adding value to your home, tips for a smooth remodel and more.
The following photos show the dramatic effects created by remodeling.
Before
After
Click on image for larger version.
Expanding Remodeling of a Ranch creates room to breathe. A new second story provides additional bedrooms and frees up ground floor space for a home office.
Updating the kitchen adds style to the whole house.
Design study for a home remodel by Charles Wermers .
