Build up, push out, add on, or move out? by Leon A. Frechette
Are you facing the dilemma of whether to remodel or move? It's an interesting question to ask yourself when your home is no longer your castle. Your family room is too small, bodies are sprawled all over the floor, and there is simply not enough counter space in the kitchen. The decision to "move or improve" can’t be delayed. For most of us, reaching this decision can be very difficult. Of course, living through construction work in progress is also difficult. To decide if your home is worth the cost and upheaval of remodeling or if you should just move entirely, you need to consider a number of factors: Personal Preferences
Financial
Structural Considerations
As you can see, there is a lot to consider before you can make any final decisions. If you take the time to do some research and gather the facts required to answer these questions, you will be able to make an intelligent decision, one you will be able to comfortably live with for many years. Additional Considerations Before you invest your time and money in any remodeling project, it is important to understand the guidelines provided by local codes and regulations as they pertain to your project. One important factor that needs to be considered before remodeling involves "zoning regulations," which impact the use of your property in relation to its property lines. Zoning ordinances establish land use: residential, industrial, or commercial. Usually "residential" is subdivided into single-family or multi-family categories. These ordinances protect you, your neighbors, and the community from undesirable or inappropriate land uses and/or construction. Other factors to consider include:
Before starting any project, check with your local city or county building department for any specific requirements that may apply to your particular project. Did You Know? The Weatherization Program, which is sponsored by local electrical utility companies, helps customers identify and repair areas where energy is lost due to inadequate insulation and inefficient doors and windows. Financial assistance may be offered to qualified customers. For example, grants may be offered to help cover a portion of the cost of insulating attics, walls, and floors over heated areas. A small grant may be paid toward replacing existing windows with more energy-efficient windows. An energy audit determines the exact amount of each grant, and the grant does not need to be repaid. Any remaining balance after the work is completed and the grant has been awarded is the homeowner’s responsibility. Be sure to contact your local electrical utility company for more information.
Owning historical property is both a privilege and a responsibility. You may benefit from generally increased property values as well as local and federal tax incentives for rehabilitations. To better understand historical preservation, contact your local City/County Historic Preservation Office. If you don't have one contact your building department—they should have a listing for the State Historic Preservation Office. Once you have answered the questions at the beginning of the article nd researched the regulations, you should be much closer to making an intelligent "move-or-improve" decision, one you can comfortably live with. The bottom line is to take your time and do all your homework before making any decisions. Let the facts guide you in the right direction. Copyright © 1994, 1998, 2006, & 2011 LAF/C.R.S., Inc. All rights reserved. Looking for home improvement Q&As? Click here! [ Back to Top ]
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C.R.S., Inc. · Spokane, Washington · USA
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