Feature Articles
Remodeling: Is Now the Right Time?
Marsha G. Alexander, Environmental Design Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Many households are choosing to remodel their current
home rather than moving to a new house. There are
cost-effective ways to improving a house to meet changing
family needs. Many important factors should be considered in
the decision to remodel or renovate.
Here are some questions to consider. Is the location
good? Is the neighborhood changing in a positive way or
likely to change? Is so, will you be happy with the changes?
Is noise and traffic at the present location a problem? Are
houses in the neighborhood being converted to rental
properties? Are the homes changing ownership rapidly? If you
have children, will there be children for your children to
play with as homeownership changes occur? Would you prefer
to live closer to work, schools, or shopping?
Is your present house worth remodeling? Is your house
structurally sound? A qualified housing inspector can help
you determine specific problems that may need attention and
approximately what it would cost to make any needed repairs.
How much will the project cost? Develop a list of
specific improvements you wish to make and then get several
bids from qualified contractors. Kitchen and bathroom
remodeling will often yield the highest paybacks for the
initial investment when you go to sell your home. Other
projects that provide significant payback on your investment
include interior and exterior painting, flooring upgrades
and windows/doors replacement.
Consider zoning restrictions in your area. Be sure to
check with the local city/county zoning office to see if the
type of work you plan is permitted and whether additional
work and expense will be required to meet regulations. There
may be restrictions on the distance required to your lot
lines in which you are permitted to build or what percentage
of the lot may be covered with structures. There may be
other issues the zoning office can also bring to your
attention.
Start with reasonable expectations. Remodeling and renovation of a structure can be very stressful. Often the cost of remodeling may be much more than first anticipated. Careful planning to determine your specific building objectives and comprehensive bids from qualified contractors are essential to a successful project.
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Last update: Sunday, April 20, 2008
