To renovate or not to renovate
A week ago Rob and I got together with a couple I went to college with who have a contruction business. They offerred free advice and we accepted. We are totally and completely disillusioned about ever finding the house that we want and decided to look into the possibility of renovating the one we're in.
When we said the kinds of changes we would want, the husband of the couple said his approach would be to level the place above the floor of the first story. He said it's quite a hassle to work within an existing structure when windows, doors and stairways all change. He said we would pay more in materials but we'd make it up and more on labour.
This is very attractive is some ways. We get a house we want, in a neighbourhood we like, our kids can still attend a school we love and our yard, while not huge, is a tremendous improvement on a lot of lots we've seen.
Downside: Living with my in-laws for up to 3 months while the work is done, tearing down a house that is not perfect but pretty good seems a bit of a waste.
Anyone reading this done extensive home renos? Experiences, advice?
When we said the kinds of changes we would want, the husband of the couple said his approach would be to level the place above the floor of the first story. He said it's quite a hassle to work within an existing structure when windows, doors and stairways all change. He said we would pay more in materials but we'd make it up and more on labour.
This is very attractive is some ways. We get a house we want, in a neighbourhood we like, our kids can still attend a school we love and our yard, while not huge, is a tremendous improvement on a lot of lots we've seen.
Downside: Living with my in-laws for up to 3 months while the work is done, tearing down a house that is not perfect but pretty good seems a bit of a waste.
Anyone reading this done extensive home renos? Experiences, advice?
posted by Jude | 9:55 PM
4 Comments:
Sounds intense! I haven't had that experience at all, but Deyan could probably weigh in on the advice since he works as a project manager for a construction company here in the north end. Let me know if you want some info from him!
I didn't know Dey was doing that now. If he feels the firm he works for is good tell me the name as we want to get at least 3 quotes.
My husband is forever changing, fixing or building something. He has been in every home we've ever lived in. It is a big, messy, expensive hassle in my opinion. However, the end result is always positive and so we continue on...
I think the best way is to get out and let the workers in to get it all done as quickly as possible.
Living in a reno mess is stressful and having kids can make it dangerous too.
If you love your location, then go for it. Get what you want, and make a house you truly love to be in.
You go girl!
Deyan's company is called Inner City Renovation.
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