Although the decision on whether to stay and remodel or relocate has affected all of us, the decision is usually based on emotion rather than fact or situation. Before you decide on whether to remodel or relocate you should consider the following points:
Figure 1 - Home before remodel and renovation
Figure 2 - Home after remodel and renovation
Return On Investment:
Most of us are concerned that any investment we make, and doing a major remodel to a home is definitely an investment, will eventually provide us with a payback or at worst case we won’t loose any money. In order to determine if an investment in your current property is likely to have a financial benefit it is important to look at the other homes on your street and in your area. If your home is the same size as the majority of other homes, it is most likely that if you add an addition to your home it will become the most expensive home in the neighborhood. From an investment standpoint, one does not want to have the most expensive home in the neighborhood. On the other hand, if your home is currently smaller than the majority of homes, it may be a very smart investment to add an addition to expand the livable floor space. This should have the effect of increasing your home value by more than the investment.
Figure 3 - Kitchen before remodel and renovation
Figure 4 - Kitchen after remodel and renovation
Architecture:
The cost of adding additional floor space is usually determined by the size of the lot and current building codes for that lot. Would adding additional floor space mean adding a second floor or is their room on the lot to add to the main floor level. Don’t forget that by adding to the main floor level you will be eliminating some of the home’s outdoor space. It is also important to realize that with some homes, depending on how the original foundation was installed, adding a second story may mean adding to the strength of the footings. This alone could mean that the project is not economically feasible. Whether you are considering a second story or an addition on the main level, try to visualize what the finished home will look like. If in your mind you are satisfied that what you want to do will be visually acceptable it is probably time to call in the best architect in Miami to discuss what can and can’t be done with your property.
Figure 5 - Stairway before remodel and renovation
Figure 6 - Stairway after remodel and renovation
Budget:
Although construction costs vary from city to city and state to state you should allow a minimum of $200 per square foot for the addition of basic living space, providing the addition does not include a kitchen or bathroom. Your architect will be able to give you a budgetary number for finished construction cost based on the city and state where you are located. Higher quality finishing materials such as hardwood flooring, and natural stone tiles such as marble or granite can easily double the per square foot cost. Once you have a detailed set of building plans, you will be able to obtain firm prices from the contractors in your area. For budgeting purposes, it is always wise to add an extra 10% to the costs, as there are generally changes and modifications during the construction phase.
Figure 7 - Bathroom before remodel and renovation
Figure 8 - Bathroom after remodel and renovation
Sweat Equity:
One major advantage to a remodel rather than a relocation is that a remodel allows you to put some sweat equity into your property. Depending on one’s capabilities, a lot of the remodel work, especially items that are labor intensive, can be accomplished by a reasonably competent homeowner. These include simplistic items such as wallpapering, painting, installing light fixtures, and window coverings. For the more experience home handyman, installing finished flooring, doors and trim can provide cost savings and increased equity. Landscaping and gardening are two other areas that can become family projects and increase the home’s value. However, if you do decide to relocate rather than renovate you may find that you are doing all of the aforementioned items at your new home!
Figure 9 - Fireplace before remodel and renovation
Figure 10 - Fireplace after remodel and renovation
Want biased advise on whether you should renovate or relocate, it’s available from most real estate brokers. Remember that a real estate broker makes a living when people buy and sell homes, not when they renovate. They do not receive any benefit from you deciding to stay where you are and to remodel your current property.
If you are considering remodeling your home a good initial investment is a 3D home and landscape design software package. These software packages can be loaded on your own PC or used on a remote server. By using these 3D software packages you can see what your home wil look like after the remodel and before you invest.
Additional information on 3D home and landscape design software packages.