To Demo . . . or not to Demo? That is the question.
Demolition is messy and perhaps intimidating if you’ve never undertaken a larger scale renovation. There are options to limit demo dust and save significantly on cost while still achieving a grand transformation. Something to consider is where you want to spend your dollars. If budget isn’t a huge concern, then demolishing to the studs to uncover everything behind your walls and potentially repair or replace could be the path you choose. Sometimes it’s unavoidable. However,, the goals you seek to achieve can come together differently than you first imagined and at a much lower overall cost with a few modifications. Saving the budget for the things you’ll see everyday is our goal because it’s more fun to splurge on the day to day functionality in your home. Rest assured, this can be achieved without compromising quality and craftsmanship. Sometimes homeowners spend years saving and dreaming for the dream kitchen, bath or home they desire. We can help make all of these elements come together for you and also collaborate with your architect, designers, and contractors. We are truly DIYers at the core, and have learned so much along the way after 20 plus years of renovating and building our own homes. This allows us to be flexible and practical as your advocate to ensure your satisfaction with the end result.
Consider the following in your renovation while pre-planning.
GOALS YOU SEEK TO ACHIEVE
There are trends that come and go. Open concept floor plans allow for ease of flow when entertaining. The open sight lines enable pods of people to feel connected even when in separate spaces. Consider your day to day when planning. Families with small children or teens may want to maintain an adjoining area that can be open or closed off as needed. Sometimes this can limit overall demolition costs.
BUDGET AND LIMITATIONS
Demolition costs cannot be ignored as part of the budget and can easily creep up. Factors such as labor hours and weight for the dump affect the overall cost. When concrete and tile are involved the cost is sometimes a downer even though it’s necessary. Maybe that’s why we’ve found pieces of masonry and concrete under multiple homes on raised foundations!
USING PROFESSIONALS
We cannot stress this enough to avoid a costly situation and potential nightmare. Knowing the structural components of a home is critical to avoid additional costs. Compromising the integrity of your home can easily occur if you attempt demolition without professionally assessing the load bearing components of your home. That’s why considering an alternative remodel within the existing perimeters of you home can save cost. On the flip side, investing in a beam can make all the difference to open up a space. At the end of the day, you should feel comfortable about the decision you make and we can help you understand the pros and cons to either plan.
REMODELING WITHIN AN EXISTING FOOTPRINT
While this may not be what you had initially envisioned, it’s not uncommon to choose this strategy to minimize the cost of permits, engineering and more. This no demo, reno approach will also save you time. You may be surprised how a space can transform within the existing walls with proper design and execution. There’s a transformation ready to happen for every budget. Contact us to see how we can help before you hire an architect.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH AND MORE RESEARCH
This has never been easier with all there is on the internet and with all the home shows on TV. Saving ideas can help communicate your likes and dislikes to avoid confusion. It’s important when working with professionals that you feel heard and understood. Walking into a home that doesn’t feel like your own and reflect your personality shouldn’t be the outcome. The home is yours and walking into it on reveal day should feel like home sweet home.
