I know I have already written about renovations and choosing whether or not it is for you, but I really need to share a TV show that I have recently discovered. As I have said before, I really love watching HGTV, all the decorating, the remodels, the real estate shows. Some of these shows have been around for quite awhile and they can be great for ideas. However, as a person that has done a lot of decorating and renovating on my own, I have learned to see when a project is "over my head" or "out of my budget". One of my greatest fears for someone, especially a first-time home buyer, is not realizing the amount of work, mess, and money that these projects can become. Even the best laid plans can end up with the unexpected budget buster.
HGTV just recently added a show called "Renovation Realities". It is worth watching if you are considering renovating your home on your own! It is a show of regular people that decided to do their own projects. It is hilarious!!! Granted, sometimes I wonder "what are they thinking", or "nobody would do that"! But it does show how much work the projects can be, how not "everyone" is a carpenter, how the unexpected can kill the budget, etc., During the show, they will "flash" things like "Jill would know how to install the sink if she went to "www.......". They also put up notes about cost. For example: Jill dropped the sink on the floor and broke it....the the sink was $300, and she is 3 hours behind. Joe bought a countertop, but measured wrong -- it is too short. The cost of the new countertop is $.
So far I have only seen three of the shows, one was a guy that decided to put up a deck on a 3-day weekend, a guy that decided to "gut" his kitchen and put in new cabinets with help from his mother (he didn't finish the project), and the last one where two girls decided to rip up the carpet in their apartment and replace it with laminated flooring. The girls did finish their project in 4 days, but they "borrowed" a friend to help carry the flooring to their apartment, exhausted themselves trying to get the carpet out of the apartment. They couldn't understand the directions and the flooring wasn't going in right, so they "borrowed" another friend that reminded them "it is not that hard" and showed them what to do. They finally hired help. At the end of the show (although not entirely finished with the project), the result on the screen was: "They spent $2500 for the flooring, $500 for the helper. They could have installed carpet for $500. (To be fair, the girls had decided on laminate because they had a bunch of pets that "did their business" all over the carpet...so I don't think more carpet was going to solve the problem unless they house trained all those animals first!)
Now, I am not trying to discourage you from taking on projects, but as I said before, I think it is good to know what you are getting into. I think this show is worth watching, it might be exaggerated for some of us, but it sure does give an idea of how things don't always go as planned! It also shows how details, accurate measuring, and sometimes a helper are really important and maybe when the "idea" was better than the result!
I have checked HGTV. com and Hulu.com for the TV episodes, so far I haven't been able to find them. If I do find them on the Internet, I will post them for those without cable TV.
Showing posts with label do-it-yourself. Show all posts
Showing posts with label do-it-yourself. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
First Time Home Buying 101: Renovations & Upgrades
You've been looking at homes and probably found some that are pretty nice, but perhaps need some work. Your real estate agent most likely has offered advise on each home and made suggestions as to what you could do to make it perfect. Your agent may be pretty wise on costs, but they aren't contractors. However, they may be able to direct you to a professional that they know has a reputation for doing good work.
Some things like a roof that needs replacing soon, a furnace that won't last much longer, a worn out carpet, may be negotiated in your in your offer. But you will still may have to have the work done. Almost anyone that has undergone a lot of renovations, remodeling, etc., will tell you to plan on everything taking "twice as much time and twice as much money". This is no joke! So be careful and know how much you want to take on. If during your home inspection, you discover all the wiring needs to be replaced....ouch! Sometimes, you open a "Pandora's box" and more issues just keep surfacing. (The reason for a home inspection!) Sometimes "loving" a house just isn't enough and you will have to make the hard choices. "Should I stay or should I go!"
I would completely agree that if the house you choose needs some cosmetic changes you shouldn't let that keep you from purchasing it. The location is great, the outdoor space is fantastic, the house itself is of great quality, but it is somewhat outdated or decorated in a style that really doesn't fit your taste. For example, the paint color choices are dreadful and there is some wallpaper you hate. Then plan to roll up your sleeves and get to work! You should be able to change the light fixtures, unless you think the power is turned off at the light switch. In that case, after you pick yourself up from the floor, you'll call a electrician.
When it comes to things like tearing out walls, "gutting" the kitchen or the bathrooms, it is not only expensive, it takes time and it is a mess! You will be living in that mess until it is done! The question is, will it get done? Will you have to spend more money buying the tools you need to do the job than it would cost you to hire a contractor?
I think many times people watch to much TV and think they can do anything. Unless you are really a perfectionist, most of those projects will probably look like "you did it yourself". Granted, some people love to do this stuff, but unless someone in the family is really skilled at it - hire somebody. It will save a lot of family arguments! If you have a job, kids, your husband travels, when is it going to get done? In 5 or 10 years, just before you decide to downsize and sell the house? Seriously, even if your husband was a contractor, (unless he is retired) would you want him to come home and spend every waking minute "renovating"? There is a reason for the old saying "the shoemaker's kids never have shoes".
Some things like a roof that needs replacing soon, a furnace that won't last much longer, a worn out carpet, may be negotiated in your in your offer. But you will still may have to have the work done. Almost anyone that has undergone a lot of renovations, remodeling, etc., will tell you to plan on everything taking "twice as much time and twice as much money". This is no joke! So be careful and know how much you want to take on. If during your home inspection, you discover all the wiring needs to be replaced....ouch! Sometimes, you open a "Pandora's box" and more issues just keep surfacing. (The reason for a home inspection!) Sometimes "loving" a house just isn't enough and you will have to make the hard choices. "Should I stay or should I go!"
I would completely agree that if the house you choose needs some cosmetic changes you shouldn't let that keep you from purchasing it. The location is great, the outdoor space is fantastic, the house itself is of great quality, but it is somewhat outdated or decorated in a style that really doesn't fit your taste. For example, the paint color choices are dreadful and there is some wallpaper you hate. Then plan to roll up your sleeves and get to work! You should be able to change the light fixtures, unless you think the power is turned off at the light switch. In that case, after you pick yourself up from the floor, you'll call a electrician.
When it comes to things like tearing out walls, "gutting" the kitchen or the bathrooms, it is not only expensive, it takes time and it is a mess! You will be living in that mess until it is done! The question is, will it get done? Will you have to spend more money buying the tools you need to do the job than it would cost you to hire a contractor?
I think many times people watch to much TV and think they can do anything. Unless you are really a perfectionist, most of those projects will probably look like "you did it yourself". Granted, some people love to do this stuff, but unless someone in the family is really skilled at it - hire somebody. It will save a lot of family arguments! If you have a job, kids, your husband travels, when is it going to get done? In 5 or 10 years, just before you decide to downsize and sell the house? Seriously, even if your husband was a contractor, (unless he is retired) would you want him to come home and spend every waking minute "renovating"? There is a reason for the old saying "the shoemaker's kids never have shoes".
Personally, I like doing some of these things, but I do know my limitations. That is all I'm asking your to look at. Is it a dreadful chore or something you will enjoy? I wouldn't hesitate to redo an "outdated" kitchen by changing cabinet doors or perhaps painting the cabinets. If I were installing expensive counterpoise, I'd hire a professional. If I was tiling the floor, I'd probably hire a professional simply because it's a big project. If I had a crooked grout line, it's all I would ever see in my kitchen. Even Martha Stewart, who can do everything....has the assistance of about 300 other people.
Just know yourself and be realistic. Can you plan to do a project and finish it before going on to the next one? Will you finish it while you are living in it or just do it before it is sold? If you can afford to hire a contractor and don't mind being "under construction". Go for it!
I'm not trying to convince you not to buy a house that is not perfect, not at all! I just think you should recognise what you need to do and what you want to do. Let's say, you have the location, the landscaping, the view, the style of house, solid workmanship, perfect # bedrooms, bathrooms. You wanted:
- Tile floors in the kitchen and baths, but they are vinyl,
- Granite countertops in the kitchen and bath, they are not, but they are in decent shape,
- Stainless steel appliances, they are older, but clean and in good working condition,
- A totally finished basement, it is partially finished but includes a full bathroom.
Should you not buy the house? It is up to you. Personally, I know I could live easily in this scenario, knowing I could budget my projects over time and do what I want. I also know that if I didn't get it done in my time frame, I would still enjoy my home. This is why I made the comment about TV. I am a serious fan of HGTV shows and I love decorating. But, I also know there are options other than granite and stainless steel which seem to be the current trend. Trends change so by the time you sell your home, IT may need "updating". I'd be more impressed with energy-efficient windows, furnace, or even solar panels. Over time, these things could easily save me enough money to add my "wants". By that time you sell, the trends may be changing. Although, I love granite as much as anyone, I might want to try recycled glass or something not yet a trend. I suspect that the future will see far more "green" products. This is my reality, what is yours?
First Time Home Buying 101: Touring Homes
Now the fun begins! At this point, you've met with your mortgage broker or a loan officer and know how much money you can qualify to borrow.
You have chosen your real estate agent, you have discussed your needs and perhaps faxed copies of homes you liked from the internet. Your agent has found a number of homes for you...so time to do some marathon shopping! (The agent may show you one home or several at a time. Lets assume, because you are flying across country, that your agent has mapped out several homes to view in the few days you are in the area.)
The agent may ask you to meet at their office or have you drive to the property. Leave it up to the agent to make that choice. If you do meet with your agent and he/she suggests that they will drive you it can be a plus. It will give you an opportunity to discuss the homes between stops and chance to learn about the area from a person living there. Also, it will save you from getting lost!
Location cannot be changed like paint color. If a location within a specific driving distance is priority, you may have to make some compromises if it means finding that home within your budget.
Acreage: Depending on the amount of acreage you need, you may be further from a city or even in a rural area to get it. This may further reduce the choices if the drive to work is in the city.
Views: If having a view is really important, it may be at a higher cost so you may (or may not) have to consider homes that require some compromises to remain within your budget. Views can sometimes be tricky. If you find a home with a perfect view today, will it remain perfect? By that I mean, if another home is built, will it destroy your view? If you have paid a premium to get the view and sacrificed on the house will your "values" remain high if a high-rise apartment just blocked your view of the ocean? Questions for your agent! Many places have restrictions on what may be built so that views cannot be blocked.
Established landscape: It takes a long, long time for trees to grow! Moving into a development of new homes sometimes means NO landscaping! A really beautifully landscaped yard can cost thousands! If you find a home with established trees and/or professional landscaping can be a real plus. It can not only save you money, but a plus if you decide to sell your home. However, if the reason you LOVE the home is because of "the old oak tree" in the front yard, ask yourself, "would you still love the home if lightening struck the tree and it had to be cut down"? Mother nature is not always kind...anyone surviving a tornado or hurricane, could attest to their world looking different after the fact. I'm really not trying to sound like a fatalist, just reminders of priorities. I would probably buy any house that was located on an ocean beach as long as it had indoor plumbing!
You have chosen your real estate agent, you have discussed your needs and perhaps faxed copies of homes you liked from the internet. Your agent has found a number of homes for you...so time to do some marathon shopping! (The agent may show you one home or several at a time. Lets assume, because you are flying across country, that your agent has mapped out several homes to view in the few days you are in the area.)
The agent may ask you to meet at their office or have you drive to the property. Leave it up to the agent to make that choice. If you do meet with your agent and he/she suggests that they will drive you it can be a plus. It will give you an opportunity to discuss the homes between stops and chance to learn about the area from a person living there. Also, it will save you from getting lost!
- Dress comfortably. Most of the time you will be looking at vacant homes.
- Wear comfortable shoes that you can slip on and off easily. Generally, these homes will be immaculately cleaned, so it is really considerate if you can leave your shoes at the entrance.
- Pack a few snacks and a couple of your favorite energy drinks. (It could be a really tiring day, your agent will get tired also and may suggest a stop at local coffee shop! Take the opportunity, you will get energized, get to chat about what you have seen, and enjoy some local flavor!)
- Take a notebook and even your digital camera. After seeing a home, you can go back to the car and make notes about the property. Obviously, don't bother if it is a property you wouldn't consider purchasing. It is easy to forget or confuse homes or features about homes that you liked or disliked when seeing a lot of them at a time!
Touring the homes:
As you walk through the house you will either be impressed or distressed. This is where having that "expert eye" is really important! You will hear your agent talk about "structure" or "good bones". Those are the things hard and expensive to change. When they talk about "cosmetics" it is refering to the horrible paint colors, wallpaper choices, "cheezy" light fixtures. These things are usually pretty simple and not terribly expensive to do something about if everything else is great. (Will talk about renovations and updates soon.)
Most likely your real estate agent will have narrowed the spectrum of homes to include as many of your wants and needs as possible. Hopefully, you will find the home that absolutely "wows" you. If not, don't get discouraged.
- Notice the outside of the home, stucco, siding, vinyl?
- Do you have to walk a lot of steps to enter the home?
- What is the condition of the roof?
- Does it have a comfortable floor plan?
- Are the rooms a good size?
- Is there good closet space?
- How old are the kitchen appliances?
- Is there a pantry? Laundry room?
- Turn on the faucet and flush the toilet. Does it seem like there is good water pressure?
- What type of heating and/or air conditioning? Is it energy efficient?
- What are the windows? Energy efficient or old and leaky?
- Look in the cabinets under the sinks. Do they look as though they are water damaged?
- Do you see cracks in walls or water stains on the ceiling?
- Does the workmanship appear professional?
- Does the home look as though it has been well-maintained?
- Does it appear that you will have to spend a lot of money in updates?
Location cannot be changed like paint color. If a location within a specific driving distance is priority, you may have to make some compromises if it means finding that home within your budget.
Acreage: Depending on the amount of acreage you need, you may be further from a city or even in a rural area to get it. This may further reduce the choices if the drive to work is in the city.
Views: If having a view is really important, it may be at a higher cost so you may (or may not) have to consider homes that require some compromises to remain within your budget. Views can sometimes be tricky. If you find a home with a perfect view today, will it remain perfect? By that I mean, if another home is built, will it destroy your view? If you have paid a premium to get the view and sacrificed on the house will your "values" remain high if a high-rise apartment just blocked your view of the ocean? Questions for your agent! Many places have restrictions on what may be built so that views cannot be blocked.
Established landscape: It takes a long, long time for trees to grow! Moving into a development of new homes sometimes means NO landscaping! A really beautifully landscaped yard can cost thousands! If you find a home with established trees and/or professional landscaping can be a real plus. It can not only save you money, but a plus if you decide to sell your home. However, if the reason you LOVE the home is because of "the old oak tree" in the front yard, ask yourself, "would you still love the home if lightening struck the tree and it had to be cut down"? Mother nature is not always kind...anyone surviving a tornado or hurricane, could attest to their world looking different after the fact. I'm really not trying to sound like a fatalist, just reminders of priorities. I would probably buy any house that was located on an ocean beach as long as it had indoor plumbing!
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