Remodeling and Renovating Chapter 28; Text Pages 623-641

6 Reasons for Home Remodeling: Levels of physical ability change

6 Reasons for Home Remodeling: Families become larger or smaller

6 Reasons for Home Remodeling: Homeowners want more storage space

6 Reasons for Home Remodeling: Homeowners want more bedrooms

6 Reasons for Home Remodeling: Homeowners want an updated kitchen

6 Reasons for Home Remodeling: Homeowners want better traffic patterns

Factors to consider when deciding to move or to remodel: Weigh the expense of remodeling versus the cost of moving Is it easier to remodel or to move? Are you willing to put in the time for a remodeling project?

Rooms that are remodeled in home most often: Kitchens Baths

Remodeling a Home: Remodeling in a lived-in area usually is inconvenient because rooms being worked on are already occupied and are unusable at least part of the time.

Unused spaces in a home that could be remodeled to be more livable: Attic Basement Porch Attached garage Anything that has a roof, walls, and floor but needs further structural work to make them livable

Why should an area be evaluated before renovations begin? If the home isn’t sound to begin with, remodeling might cost too much to make it worthwhile

Check local regulations before remodeling because… If homeowners proceed without proper approvals from the local government, they may have to pay a fine or even tear down an addition or make other exterior changes.

A building permit is needed when: Any alterations affect the Framework of the building Size of the building Safety of the building

Remodeling in Winter? Advantage – Disadvantage – Slow time for construction Disadvantage – Exposed exterior wall or roof Increase heating costs Health problems for the residents

How to find a good interior designer: Referrals from friends and relatives who have had remodeling done See the listings of local designers available from professional organizations How to check an Interior Designers reliability & qualifications: Check the designer’s portfolios Visit homes of clients for whom the designer has completed projects

Get info. From the National Association of the Remodeling Industry How to find a good contractor & check their reliability and qualifications: Get info. From the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Ask friends and relatives Ask lumberyard managers Ask plumbing dealers Other suppliers The Better Business Bureau The state licensing board

The Contract: Homeowners should refuse a contract based on time and materials because they are not sure at the start what the total cost of the project will be. If the cost of the project goes over what is specified in the contract the contractor must complete the work for the specified amount.

Items that are included in a contract: What work the contractor will do The amount the homeowner will pay The dates on which work begins and ends Details of what materials will be used The responsibilities of the subcontractors Homeowner’s obligations to the subcontractors Should the contractor fail to pay them

“Doing it Yourself” Advantages Save money Pride in being able to do your own work

“Doing it Yourself” Disadvantages Longer to finish Home and family life disrupted for a long time Parts of the project may be harder than you thought Obtain permits Schedule inspections Must buy building materials and fixtures at retail costs