Comments on: New Home or Remodel?

By: Rob O.

Rob O. — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:23:32 +0000

I’ll cast another vote for staying put & fixing it up! My wife & I did this and couldn’t be happier with our home. We’ve redone nearly every room in the place, but now it’s truly OUR home – through & through!

We just finished renovating our tiny master bath and it’s gorgeous!

By: partgypsy

partgypsy — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:23:21 +0000

I agree, it makes no sense to move, for 1 there is no more appealing place to move to that is affordable, and the improvements you want are cosmetic and modest in cost. We had to majorly remodel on our house. Maybe 50% was done the first year, another 25% next five years. It is 10 years later and there is still stuff on our list. My main regret was rushing a couple jobs at the beginning because of having to move in. Take your time, do it right, and make it your own. Good luck!
(ps for our house we had to: change from duplex to single family home, get it completely rewired, completely redo both both bathrooms and the kitchen, tear down fake wood paneling and fix walls & ceilings (still a work in progress!), refinish wood floors, and take out old warm mornings and window acs for central air and heat. And last summer put in all new energy efficient windows.)

By: Catherine

Catherine — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:47:49 +0000

As someone who has just finished a complete remodel of my duplex. 2 Kitchens, 2 bathrooms, floors and paint. Please let me say that the FHA has remodel loans for people like yourself. This program could be a godsend since it is a 20 year loan. So that is the money…

But the materials, Please investigate the IKEA home kitchen planner.
This little tool can really help you understand the option (for free) before investing in carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

INSIST/REQUIRE workmans comp insurance and liscence and bonding from you contractors. Do not let ANYONE in who is not covered with these. This is a warning from someone who is still in a lawsuit over this…You will pay more for a reputable firm! You will be covered, and maybe they will show up every day for a week and actually finish the job. Please do not hesitate to remodel, just plan and save and just in case, think about renting a place to stay while the bathroom is ripped down to the studs for water damage and the kitchen is waiting for the electrical and plumbing inspections.
Good luck

By: michael

michael — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:58:40 +0000

Adding my voice to those who say to just do the work yourself. I’m not a handy person by nature, but 3 years after finding myself in a similar situation as yours, I’ve build my own cabinets; textured and painted my entire home interior; hung ceiling fans; installed floors, tubs, toilets, and sinks; and a million other things that I never imagined I could do.

All it takes is some research, common sense, and money for tools and materials — you’ll save about 75% on ever job you do yourself (and the savings will increase once you acquire a decent tool collection and don’t have to keep buying more!)

There are some things that might be better left to a professional (advanced plumbing, electrical, and concrete), but most home improvement can be done by anyone with the will to learn.

By: The Simple Dollar » The Simple Dollar Weekly Roundup: My Hidden Agenda Edition

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:00:56 +0000

[...] New Home or Remodel? I think it largely depends on whether remodeling is an appealing side hobby for you. For some people (like my good friend who actually built his own house), it’s a lot of fun. For others, it’s mind-numbingly dull. For yet others, it’s incredibly challenging (I can’t tell you how many swollen thumbs I’ve given myself accidentally with a hammer). (@ frugal dad) [...]

By: Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:15:02 +0000

Take everything in stride – do a little at a time – and you’ll be so proud of yourselves, and your home, when you finish. I rent a very old house, 2 bedrooms, and agreed to take it as is so I pay a very low rent. My kitchen is a huge room but I have the same few cabinets you do. I bought a metal 2-door, 5′ tall, cabinet at Lowe’s and use it as my pantry. Because of the ample space, a friend gave me a work-table he had built for himself, added a few shelves to it; I painted it and put it in the center of the room as an island. Like everyone said, ask friends, fellow church-members, check-out resale shops, and you’ll be surprised what you can come up with.
Good Luck!

By: Sunday Linkfest | Remodeling This Life

Sunday Linkfest | Remodeling This Life — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:49:11 +0000

[...] Dad posted a Community Discussion – New Home or Remodel?. I betcha know what I said But go read to find out what everyone else [...]

By: If Only it was So Easy

If Only it was So Easy — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:03:35 +0000

[...] Frugal Dad: “I’ve known people who have taken on “fixer-uppers” for a variety of reasons and suddenly they find themselves without the motivation or means to continue. It’s a cautionary tale for taking on such projects, but you are here now, so let’s consider your options.” [...]

By: Father Mann

Father Mann — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:28:28 +0000

I also want to encourage you to stay. From the details of your situation it sounds like you have become emotionally drained from dealing with the repairs.

Take a little vacation if you can, put a list together of things that need done, and then ask around to people you know for help. I say this because I am not handy at all but know plenty of people who are.

My friends and neighbors have shared a few hours of their lives working with me on my fixer-upper in exchange for a home cooked meal, a cold pint of home-brew, and some fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden.

By: Jan B.

Jan B. — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:54:41 +0000

I know it may be hard and time cosuming, but I agree with staying and remodeling. The first thing you need to consider before you remodel or add an addition is if your neighborhood will support it. You do not want to have the nicest house in the neighborhood because you may not recover your money if you decide to sell. It sounds like you are ok there, but run the numbers and make sure. Also, please be careful about the advice on using people you do not know off Craigslist or any other site. There is a reason real plumbers and other tradesworkers are more expensive, they are licensed and insured!!! That cost money. You do not want to have someone come in a do the job wrong. First of all it can be dangerous, and you may end up spending way more money down the road on a job done wrong. As a general contractor in the insurance restoration business for many years, I have seen many sad stories ranging from electrical fires to poor plumbing causing slow leaks leading to mold and sickness. Plus, if something does go wrong who is going to pay for it? Not the $50.00 guy. Your homeowners insurance can also deny the claim (read your policy). Also, if is done wrong and you try to sell a home inspector will probably catch it and you would have to fix it anyway. Contact your local BBB or Home builder Association and get a reference for a licensed contractor in the trade you are using. It is not worth the safety to your family to save a few bucks in those few areas you need a professional. Most things you can do yourself without any problem.