– by Andrew Tidman, Tidman Construction –
My family has outgrown our house, but we love our yard and property, should we tear down and rebuild or renovate what we have?
It would depend on the scope of what you wanted to do. Often tearing down completely can end up being cheaper than extensively piecemealing. The first step would be to determine a budget, and then stick to that budget. The budget that you have will drive the amount of renovations you can do and how extensive you want them to be. Spend the time in the planning stage and plan around your budget; designing as you build is an expensive way to do it. Think of what you would like to spend on a renovation and then meet with a professional contractor at your home to see what they feel would be possible with that amount. Remember, when moving to a new home is an option you’re thinking about, you are not just buying a new home, but also new neighbours in potentially a new neighbourhood. If you love your neighbours and your neighbourhood, often renovating can be the better “known” option.
Will I have to move out during renovations?
Depending on the scope of the renovations, often it is better for the homeowner to move out. There can be a lot of mess and disruptions with tradespeople working in your home. If you are just doing a minor renovation (kitchen, bathroom, etc.) then the mess and disruptions can most likely be contained and you could probably stay in your home. Many people enjoy watching and being involved in the process … others don’t want to be around for the disruption and find being away and coming back to a brand new space very rewarding.
What types of renovation work require building permits and who’s responsible for arranging building permits?
In today’s world, almost all renovation
work requires a building permit. Cosmetic upgrades like changing flooring, updating cabinetry, and repainting do not require a building permit in most municipalities but anything that is beyond cosmetic and requires any electrical, plumbing, mechanical or any structural work, will require a building permit. A professional contractor can handle this whole process for you, as they have the experience to deal with all the requirements, and know how to streamline and execute all the required steps.
What are some of the most common problems you come across when renovating an older house?
One of the most common problems when renovating an older house is that things are not up to current building code standards. Other common problems include dealing with hazardous materials, as well as any rot and deterioration that may have occurred over the years.
