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Researching Your Renovation – Taking on the “Big Stuff”

April 23, 2012 Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

raetherenovator-92x150Brace yourself – it’s time to reach for the list of “big stuff” from your property evaluation! No matter how long or short your list, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do first, not to mention what it will cost… So, how do you get started? Let’s begin with priorities. Look at your list and ask yourself these questions:

 1)      Are there any safety issues on your list? These would include weak or damaged decking, stairs, and rails, leaky gas appliances (furnace, water heater, stove, dryer, etc.), and damaged flooring, among others. If any of these items are on your list, they need to be addressed as soon as possible, and by a professional.

2)      Is there anything that could impact the structural integrity of your home? A leaky roof, for instance, can lead to damage to ceilings, walls, and eventually flooring, if left untended. Obviously, the sooner you identify and correct these issues, the less it’s going to cost in the long run.

3)      What can you do to decrease your energy costs? If your furnace stills works but is more than ten years old, it may be time to replace it. New high efficiency systems can cut your energy use 20% or more, saving you money when costs are constantly on the rise. The same with drafty, inefficient windows and doors – new technology, plus proper professional installation of new products, can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home. Most manufacturers won’t make specific promises, but they are happy to share testimonials from satisfied homeowners – check out this link for an example – http://www.simonton.com/NR/rdonlyres/607513AB-B637-4D7E-863D-B6B925522B2C/0/FINAL_09SIM1557EnergySavingsCaseStudyv3.pdf

4)      Finally, what projects are more about quality of life? Yes, your old kitchen and bath may still be functional, but if they’re outdated, maybe it’s time to think about bringing them into the 21st century! Or, perhaps you have a growing family, and it’s time to consider doing something about that unfinished basement to gain space for the kids and their friends.

 So, now that you’ve sorted your list by priority, how do you figure out what these renovations are going to cost? And, if you decide to sell your home down the road, how much can you expect them to be worth? Working basically in the same priority order, let’s look at some examples from Remodeling Magazine for the Chicagoland area: (http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2011/costvsvalue/division/east-north-central/city/chicago–il.aspx)

 

Project

Cost

Resale Value

% Recoup

New deck – wood

$10,000-$12,000

$6,000-$7,000

61%

New deck – composite

$15,000-$20,000

$8,000-$10,000

50%

Roof replacement – shingle

$20,000-$25,000

$10,000-$12,000

50%

Window replacement – vinyl

$10,000-$12,000

$7,000-$8,000

62%

Window replacement – wood

$12,000-$15,000

$8,000-$10,000

62%

Entry door replacement – fiberglass

$3,000-$4,000

$1,500-$2,000

50%

Entry door replacement – steel

$1,000-$1,500

$800-$1,000

68%

Siding replacement – vinyl

$12,000-$15,000

$7,000-$9,000

64%

Siding replacement – foam backed vinyl

$14,000-$15,000

$9,000-$10,000

65%

Siding replacement – fiber cement

$13,000-$15,000

$9,000-$10,000

70%

Bathroom remodel

$15,000-$17,000

$9,000-$10,000

55%

Minor kitchen remodel

$20,000

$13,000

55%

Major kitchen remodel

$50,000-$60,000

$35,000-$40,000

59%

Garage door replacement

$1,500

$1,000

65%

Basement finish

$66,000

$37,000

55%

 Remember, these figures are just averages. Costs will vary depending on the materials you select, and, of course, on your contractor. Next week we will discuss how to find the right contractor for you, and that doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest!

 Happy remodeling!

 Rae the Renovator

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

Are You Sure You Can Do That?

April 16, 2012 Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

So, you took my advice and checked out your property like a potential buyer, and you made the list of all the home improvements that need to be done. You even split that list up between the “I can do it myself” and “That’s gonna cost me!” lists. So, you’re ready to get started, right?

Are you sure about that? Before you go jumping into a DIY project, it’s time to do a little more homework. Are you positive that you know exactly what that project involves, how long it’s going to take, and that you truly have the skills to complete it without driving yourself crazy? I have to ask, because I consider myself to be a pretty good renovator, and I think I can complete a lot of my projects by myself (or with the help of a friend). However, I have learned the hard way to make sure I know what I’m getting into before I dive in!

For instance, your local tile or home improvement store will be happy to offer you a DIY class in installing tile. They tell you that you can remodel your kitchen or bath or install a new floor, no problem, once you complete that afternoon class. Uh-huh… You’re comfortable with removing old tile (a nasty, dusty, dangerous project involving flying pieces of tile with sharp edges), hauling all that debris to the dumpster (Dumpster?!? Really?!?), installing green board in wet areas like showers and laundry rooms, including sealing the seams and screw holes so the water doesn’t seep in, leveling the floor surface to avoid cracked tiles down the road, reinstalling electrical and plumbing fixtures, grouting, sealing, perfecting? Ok, if you’re sure…

I’m not saying you can’t do the projects on your DIY list. Many people have the skills and patience to complete these projects. I’m just trying to make sure you recognize all of the often overlooked steps and skills involved in some projects. Personally, I have very limited experience when it comes to serious plumbing and electrical work. I can manage changing light fixtures and bathroom hardware, and replacing old outlets and switches, but that’s the extent of my bravery when it comes to plumbing and electrical. And, I’m pretty skittish, due to my personal vision issues that limit my depth perception, about using large power tools – I like all my fingers attached to my hands, thank you! My point is that you need to be extremely confident in your skill level before you take on a DIY project. My personal rule of thumb is that, if it requires a permit, let a professional do it!

If you have the least bit of doubt about your own skills when it comes to a specific project, please consult a professional (not a sales person). The true professionals will have no problem letting you know if it’s okay to take on a project yourself. They don’t necessarily have time to take on small projects, nor can they make money and still offer you a reasonable price, so they will be happy to give you some quick tips and let you do it yourself.

With that information, I’m going to leave you to reevaluate your DIY list, keeping in mind the following simple questions:

  1. Does it require a permit to do this renovation in your city?
  2. Do you have all the necessary skills and tools to complete the project safely?
  3. Do you have the patience to do it yourself?

Good luck on your DIY projects! Next time, we’ll talk about the big projects – how to determine what they are worth to the value of your home, and how much they will cost.  Happy hammering!

Rae the Renovatorraetherenovator-92x150

 

 

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

Critiquing Your Curb Appeal

April 9, 2012 Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

raetherenovator-92x150Unless you are facing an emergency repair – storm damaged roof, broken window or door, your furnace, a/c, or water heater dropped dead – before you take on a home improvement project, you need to honestly assess your home. That’s not an easy thing to do. We are all attached to our homes and have probably grown accustomed to the little quirks and oddities of our property. So, where do you start?

The next time you are coming home, take time to study your neighborhood, and particularly your own home, as someone considering buying it. Even if you have no plans to sell your home, look at it as a potential home buyer. How does it look from the street? Is the landscaping neat and well maintained, or does it look neglected? What about the roof, siding, lighting, windows, and doors? Would you buy this place?

Continue your evaluation as you enter your home. Take a full walkthrough tour. Check out the paint, flooring, cabinetry, counters, plumbing, electrical – all those things a buyer would look at. Be honest! This could be a somewhat painful experience, and I am not suggesting it to make you feel bad. Think of it as you would a doctor’s examination – before the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, he has to check you out. Would you want to get a prescription based on your brief telephone description of what you think is wrong? Not me, thanks!

After you have finished your assessment ( I hope you were taking notes along the way), sit down and make a list. Actually, make a couple of lists. First, list the big things (roofing, furnace, etc.) that will definitely require a professional contractor, in order of priority. What needs to be done now, what can wait? Second, make a list of smaller projects (painting, updating cabinet hardware, etc.) that you can tackle on your own, or with the help of friends. Again, put them in order of priority (which may mean what you can handle with a quick trip to the hardware store and what is going to have to wait for a long weekend?). Now, put your list aside until we talk again. You have worked hard – take a break! Next time we will talk about planning your budget for these projects and what value they will add to your home.
As always, I look forward to your questions and comments on this subject.

Rae the Renovator

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

Welcome to DI-Why? Diary

April 2, 2012 Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

Rae the Renovator

Hi, folks! Welcome to “Di-Why? Diary”. I’m your host, Rae the Renovator, and I’m here to share my experiences in home improvement. I hope this will help you as you face your own renovation decisions.
Why do I call this DI-Why? Diary? Well, it’s not all about DIY (do it yourself). Instead, it’s more about why to take on a project, and whether to actually DIY or get professional help. Despite what some of the home improvement stores will tell you, it really isn’t a good idea to tackle some projects on your own – it may seem cheaper in the short term, but doing it wrong can cost you a lot in the long term!
While my blog is hosted by my friends at Evergreen Door & Window, I will do my best to provide unbiased information on home improvement products and services. I am simply here to help you make the best choices for your needs, and to hopefully help you avoid some of the chaos I have been through in the last few years of home renovations.
In the next few weeks I will be offering my assistance in the following areas:
1. Honestly assessing your home improvement needs
2. Deciding what renovations make the most sense from a cost versus value standpoint
3. Determining whether to take on a project yourself or hire a professional
4. How to find the right contractor for all your projects
From there on I will provide information on a variety of products and services that I hope you will find useful. I welcome your questions, comments, and personal experiences as we go forward. Join me!

Rae the Renovator

Filed Under: Home Improvement Tagged With: home improvement, home renovation, remodeling, windows and doors

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