Nailing It Down-Archives

Remodeling: Making the dream a reality
By Dave Murnen
and Pat Beaty

     Are you like so many Americans --eager to remodel or add on to your humble castle but don't know where to start?
      Every carpenter knows: measure twice, cut once. Every real estate agent knows: location, location and location.
     Here at Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services when it comes to remodeling, we know the key to success: planning, planning, and planning!
     Here are some simple tips to help you successfully turn your dream of remodeling into a reality.

Getting on the same page

     Now that you're ready to remodel your kitchen, how much further have you thought? Do you want a gas stove, extra cupboard space, a breakfast nook? Is your spouse more interested in an extra sink, a sky light or a pantry?
     Whatever changes you're considering, start with asking yourself: "What will this room be used for?" "What problems are we trying to solve?" "How do we live, entertain?"
     Answering these questions is critical, so make sure you identify what you want as specifically as possible.
     Often spouses find their visions are not identical. It's no surprise that the two of you might have slightly different priorities when it comes to your home (or anything else!). The planning stage is the best time to hash out any differences. It's expensive for you and awkward for everyone involved when the designer or contractor is put in the position of arbitrator or marriage counselor.
     To avoid this, have your specific list of changes ranked in priority order. This way you can work to see if your budget can handle that jetted tub you want or the garden window your spouse has dreamed of.

The big picture

     When planning your addition or remodeling project, remember to keep the big picture in mind. How much can you afford? What do you want to end up with? Will it satisfy your needs and wants?
      Also keep in mind how long you plan to live in the house. Are you making the changes to fit your tastes and your family's needs, or are you hoping for better resale value?
     Updated kitchens, additional bathrooms, family rooms and bedrooms quickly add to the value of a home. The addition of a simple deck can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers. But adding something like a swimming pool - especially in Grays Harbor- will usually add little value at resale time.
      For many it's hard to visualize what changes will look like. One way that might help is to measure your home and plot it, and any proposed changes, on graph paper. Or, you can make a three-dimensional model out of cardboard or even Legos. Remodeling magazines and books are valuable visual aids and can be a great source of ideas.

Show me the money

     Once you've prioritized what you want to do, and considered the big picture, it's time for the nitty gritty part-creating a budget.
     In fact, during those days of pondering what you want and negotiating with your spouse, one thing you should have been doing to help the project along is saving your money!
      Remodeling costs can vary widely - anywhere from $35 to $105 a square foot. It all depends on design, materials and who does the work.
      Is it simple enough that you can work with the local building officials and design the job yourself? Will you hire a designer or architect?
      Are you skilled enough to do some of the building work yourself? Will a friend or two help you paint? Do you plan to have a contractor do it all?
      The answers to these questions will help you determine how much money you need for your project.
     When you plan your budget, give yourself a 10 to 30 percent buffer. Hopefully you won't need it. But, most people discover things that they want to add or change during construction.
     Often you will encounter hidden surprises in the walls (mostly not in the form of gold coins). And, sorry folks, material prices do increase.

Next week we'll talk more about remodeling, including hints and helps in finding a good contractor. In the meantime, if you are considering a remodeling project, maybe we can help. We offer reasonably priced construction consultant services. From start to finish, or anywhere in between.

Dave Murnen is a construction manager and Pat Beaty is a construction specialist at Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services, a non-profit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. Do you have questions about home repair, remodeling or becoming a homeowner? Call Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services at 533-7828 or visit at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.

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