Category Archives: remodeling

Like the Location but not the House – Rebuild vs. Renovate

Posted on May 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

BEFORE

Buying a property is an act of compromise. You might like the house but not the location; the living area might be lovely but it faces the wrong way; the first two bedrooms might be big but the third is a study nook. Those were the issues that came up again and again when Hilda and David Drake were looking for a new house.

Before doing any major project contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com to discuss your value issues.

AFTER

The couple, and two grown-up children, started looking for a house with three equal-size bedrooms, was close to a train station and had enough room for entertaining. They failed.

What they did find, however, was that they didn’t have to compromise after all – if you build new, you get exactly what you want. So, for those who don’t want to compromise, here is how they did it, step by step.

Step 1: Find a good spot

After looking for six months, the couple came across a three-bedroom brick bungalow and picked it up for $500,750. Although it had charm, the property was in a very shabby condition.

Hilda says: ”It was very rundown, the ceiling was falling apart and the roof needed to be redone. It would have cost $20,000 to fix just that.

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Bathroom Easy Updates

Posted on May 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

Contrary to what you might think, updating and beautifying your bathroom doesn’t have to include ripping out plumbing and reconfiguring layouts. Some paint and new accessories may be all it takes to transform your bath into an elegant, spa-like retreat. Opting for some unique items not usually seen in the bathroom can make the difference.

MAKE IT LIVABLE

The bathroom is no longer simply a perfunctory room for quick in-and-out visits. In many homes, the bath has become a place to escape and indulge in a long soak or spa treatments. The make your bathroom more linger-worthy, move in some traditional furnishings. Think seating and curtains. Long, full sheers can create an illusion of fullness without the heaviness of drapes and they can be used to soften a window, create a nook for privacy, or add a dreamy, romantic effect. Boost the romantic quotient with sconces on the walls for a candlelit soak.

FURNISHING THE BATH

Painted furniture looks terrific in a bathroom. An old buffet with glass doors makes a beautiful presentation when filled with fluffy towels or glamorous bottles of perfume. A secretary or glass breakfront is another terrific option and provides display space. For lighting, try pendant lights in place of recessed lighting and add small shades to bathroom light fixtures. If there’s room for it, nothing glams up a room like a chandelier.

Does this add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Instead of an institutional or teak shower seat, try a glazed Chinese garden stool that adds function with style. They’re made for the outdoors and can handle water. Use a padded bench, often placed at the foot of the bed, to create a soft spot to sit down in the bathroom.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Sound Advice for the DIY Renovation Novice

Posted on April 26, 2012 | Leave a comment

Broken pipes, sagging ceilings and bruised egos are some of the lesser casualties of projects gone wrong, and if you believe the stats, around half of all DIY projects end in disaster.

Paying to fix a botched job – and dealing with smug tradies – will quickly wipe out any potential savings and brownie points.

So question whether you really have the time, tools and ability to pull off a major DIY project or renovation before you reach for the sledgehammer. And heed the following advice from those who have survived it.

1. Planning and managing

It’s a fact: your planning and project management skills will make or break a renovation – as well as a marriage. So quit now if you don’t think you’re up to it. Research should be exhaustive and your plan as detailed as possible. Divide your wish list into three categories: essential, optional and desirable. Then get out the red pen.

Work out a time line and budget, allowing for a 20 per cent contingency. Make sure you get any required planning approvals and owner-builder certificates.

You’ll have a better shot at domestic harmony if you divvy up the major tasks: one manages the budget, the other oversees the tradies and timeline. And both share the drudgery of chores and daily clean up.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only