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Should You Remodel Before Moving In? What to Keep in Mind.

You’ve finally done it. You made an offer on a home, and it was accepted. You have a date marked on your calendar to pass papers, and you can almost feel the new keys jingling from your fingers. You can’t wait to get inside and make the place your own. You have many renovation plans in mind, but now you’re beginning to wonder if you should remodel before moving in . . . or if you should wait.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—only what’s right for you and your family. Here’s what to keep in mind as you make your decision.

The Pros & Cons of Moving In First

If you remodel after you move into your new home, you’ll be on top of everything and have the ability to respond quickly to questions, changes, and various details along the way. But there are disadvantages: discomfort, inconvenience, noise, and dust, just to name a few.

Project Types & Family Dynamics

Certain types of projects and certain types of families can make the difference in which way you go. Consider the following:

• For some additions, the builder can isolate the work to one or two areas of the house, leaving a nice separation from the craziness of daily construction. It’s much easier to live in the house during these types of projects.
• If remodeling a kitchen, a temporary kitchen can be set up in another part of the house to make life easier.
• If you’re renovating all the bathrooms at once, don’t move in. But keep in mind if you stage the bathrooms over time, the project will take longer.

If the project type doesn’t provide an answer about whether you should remodel before moving in, consider your family’s situation.

• Do you have young kids?
• Are there any allergies or medical considerations?
• Will the construction schedule interfere with important family events?
• Do you and your family members have trouble dealing with added stress?
• Will you need a sanctuary to retreat to where you won’t be able to see lumber, tarps, and tools at the end of a long day?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it might make sense to wait before moving in.

The Importance of Preconstruction Meetings and Solid Schedules

A good builder will have a preconstruction meeting to discuss many of these issues so that he or she can help minimize problems from the start. The preconstruction meeting should cover things like parking, access, safety, allergies, work hours, schedules, changes, and so forth. Without a preconstruction meeting, don’t expect to be on the same page as your builder. That would be one vote for not moving in!

A construction schedule is imperative for a smooth running project. If your builder does not provide one, don’t hire him/her. With a good schedule, you can gauge how long before you can move in. Or if you’re living in the home during the renovation, an accurate schedule will alert you when a weekend getaway might be in order (due to the floors being refinished, for example).

A schedule will also help you know when you need to select certain materials so the builder can install them on time. If your builder cannot provide a clear, detailed schedule, consider another builder because without a solid schedule, the project becomes about as reliable as a roll of the dice.

As you can see, the decision to remodel before moving in might be a difficult one to make. If you’re not sure what direction to go in, let’s have a conversation. There’s no obligation, and simply discussing your options and the realities of the situation will probably help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Ah, the bathroom! It can be the center of activity (especially on a Monday morning!), or it can be the place where you go to relax in a warm tub with a good book and glass of wine. No wonder more and more people are spending time and money improving this sacred space.

At Cottage Industries, we love remodeling bathrooms and creating calm oases for our clients. When we sit down with clients to discuss their ideas for the bathroom, we always review factors that affect a bathroom renovation’s overall cost. Here are seven to keep in mind.

1. Countertops. When people hear the word “countertop,” they often think of materials like granite or laminates. But there are so many options available—all at various price points. It can be enough to overwhelm and confuse.

Luxurious materials (such as marble) or unique materials (such as custom formed concrete or solid glass) will increase the price. So, too, will the labor involved with fancier edge treatments. For example, an ogee edge is more labor-intensive than an eased edge.

Your best bet is to consult with your design/build firm and have the design professionals guide you not only on the myriad materials available, but also on what will work best for your particular space and the design you have in mind.

2. Tile. How much tile you opt for will definitely affect the price (e.g. tiling the whole bathroom vs. tiling select areas, such as the sink’s backsplash). And, once again, the type of tile you choose plays a huge role (e.g. natural stone, artistic ropes, borders, inlays, mosaics, hand crafted tiles). Materials can range from $3/sf to well in excess of $30 or $40 /sf and up. Keep in mind that intricate patterns cost more in labor, even a diagonal layout will cost more in both labor and material costs. Adding electric floor warmer mats under tile adds cost, but it’s a fantastic feature, especially on chilly winter mornings.

3. Layout. Moving walls and moving fixtures will drive up costs, often significantly. That said, the new space could very well be worth it. Communicate your specific needs and goals with your design/build firm. Maximizing existing space is always a top priority, but sometimes a layout change is necessary.

4. Cabinetry. The adage “you get what you pay for” is true when it comes to cabinetry. Big box stores offer cheaper options, but these cabinets don’t always hold up as well over time, which could be a problem if this is your “forever” home and/or if the bathroom sees a lot of traffic. You can usually find good mid-range cabinets in local cabinet showrooms (definitely shop around). High-end, custom-built cabinetry will be designed to your specifications—and will give your bathroom a truly one-of-a-kind look.

5. Light fixtures. Lighting is important, since you need even lighting for those everyday activities like shaving, applying makeup, and other grooming essentials. You’ll want to make sure the area around the sink and mirror is lit properly (same for the shower/bathing area). You’ll also need to make sure whatever fixtures you choose are approved for damp areas.

The biggest effect on cost will be the fixture selections themselves, the number of fixtures, and the switching required (e.g. dimmers, 3-way switching).

6. Plumbing. The plumbing price tag depends on the renovation’s complexity. Two of the biggest factors affecting price include:

1. Moving fixtures/toilets to new locations
2. Replacing pipes (sometimes all the way to the basement)

Remember, the price tag covers not only the materials themselves, but also the installation.

7. Amenities. When it comes to amenities, the sky’s the limit in today’s bathrooms. Think steam units, whirlpool tubs, extra-large showers with multiple heads and controls, heated floors, towel warmers, even mini-bars (yes, really). All are wonderful and can go a long way in creating a relaxing space that you can call your own, but the more amenities you have, the pricier your bathroom remodel will be.

By the way, if you’re trying to get a sense of different “average” renovation costs for your area (and not just bathrooms, but all spaces in the home), check out this excellent resource: Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” Report.

And, of course, if you’re in Philly or the Main Line area and you’re thinking about a bathroom remodel, reach out to us. We’d love to sit down with you and discuss your ideas.

When remodeling your kitchen, coming up with a smart and efficient layout is important. You don’t want to do a kitchen remodel, only to realize later you can’t access the dishwasher when a certain cabinet is open, or that traffic flows through your cooking area when you need the space to work.

We offer seven helpful tips to help you achieve an optimum layout when kitchen remodeling.

1) Island Living

Use an island with stools to separate different areas of the kitchen. Family members can sit at the island and eat or do work, while you prepare food. Think of an island as a cop that directs traffic through your kitchen. But an island poorly placed, or too large, can corrupt good flow in a kitchen.

2) Appliance and Refrigerator Placement

Are you a leftie? Perhaps you want the dishwasher to the left of the sink. Are the kids always raiding the fridge? Put the refrigerator within the optimum triangle, but nearest the entertainment side of the room. That way, family members and kids can access the refrigerator without walking through the cook space. Also keep food prep areas near the sink and stove. Wall ovens can be farther away from the prep areas because once things go in the oven, they are typically left alone for a while and not stirred, spiced, and watched as closely as food on a cook top would be.

3) Pathway Placement

If your kitchen has a door to the basement, a deck, or back yard, make sure the pathways leading to those doors don’t run through the cooking space. Orient your kitchen so these doors can be reached without causing a traffic jam.

4) Easy Access

Design your kitchen so everything, including pantry storage, is no more than a step away from a work surface. Always leave 18 to 24 inches on each side of a sink or stove for prep.

5) Open the Doors

When looking at your kitchen design on paper, do you notice how none of the doors are open? Look at your design with an eye to where the doors open on your cabinets, especially in the corners. While kitchen remodeling, place appliances away from the corners to minimize door-opening issues.

6) Connectivity

How connected do you want your kitchen to be to other areas of your home, such as the living room and dining room? When renovating your kitchen, it is time to consider a more open floor plan, or gaining access to other rooms in new ways.

7) Appliance Parking

Consider cabinetry to conceal appliances. Sometimes called an Appliance Garage, it will keep the coffee maker, blender, and toaster oven hidden when not in use. You lift the “garage door” and everything is easily accessible!

Kitchen renovations can be an exciting way to spice up an older home. Think new countertops, up-to-date appliances, and a better-functioning layout. The possibilities are endless, though you’ll want to consider a few things before getting started.

Here are our top 10 things to think about when planning kitchen renovations.

1) Know Your Budget

Before you begin kitchen renovations, decide how much you want to spend. Make your design decisions based on that budget. If you start the project without a firm idea of what you want to spend, costs can quickly get out of control. Leave a little room for unexpected things, or things you want to add as the project gets underway.

2) What Style Do You Want?

Do you want a modern kitchen or a more traditional look? Some homeowners think if they have a Colonial house, they need a Colonial-style kitchen. Don’t be afraid to break out of that box. Matching the period and style of a home is a great option, but if you really want to try something different, go for it.

3) Layout, Layout, Layout

The layout of your kitchen is one of its most important aspects, helping make it as functional as it is an inviting room. Get professional design help to avoid the pitfalls of a bad layout. Think about the placement of each item in your kitchen and how it affects the flow of traffic through the workspace. Then have a trusted friend or family member look at your plans to get another viewpoint.

4) Design For the Future

As you’re designing, don’t just imagine yourself in the space next month or next year, but consider how your needs will change over time. Will you be having kids? Will older children be moving out? Are your in-laws planning to move in? Do you plan to sell in the near term? These are the kinds of questions to ask yourself to get the most from your kitchen over the long term.

5) Should You Move Walls?

Opening and removing walls can bring dramatic change by expanding the space, changing the flow, and giving the kitchen an open feel. But doing so will come at a cost. If you are on a tight budget, structural changes and relocating pipes and ductwork can add significantly to the cost of your project. It may well be worth it but if your funds are more limited, keeping walls intact is a good way to save.

6) Gas or Electric?

Now is the time to consider switching cooking fuel types. A popular choice is duel fuel—having a gas range and an electric oven. A gas cook top can give you better heat control and faster heating. It also can work better with pans that are not perfectly flat on the bottom. An example of this is a Wok. Ovens are a little different. Electric ovens can get hotter than gas and therefore have self-cleaning features that gas ovens don’t have. Gas ovens can also be harder to control the heat in. Some people think baking bread is better in a gas oven because there’s more moisture produced during the combustion of the gas and that’s good for the bread.

7) Cabinet Changes

Once you’ve decided on a style and layout, it’s time to choose a cabinet supplier. You’ll want to go to the showroom to see samples first-hand, and choose the line of cabinets you want. The price ranges are mostly due to quality of materials and construction methods. Higher quality materials are solid plywood boxes with wood doors and frames. Even the drawer slides and hinges on the higher quality cabinets will make a big difference down the road. Lower quality materials will save a few bucks, but won’t last as long or be as trouble-free. Remember too, the installation cost of the cheap stuff will be the same from your builder as the quality stuff, so your savings will not be as significant as the hassles you could experience down the road. You can also go with a fully customized cabinet line, which can be the ultimate in quality and design if you have the budget and the added time it will take to produce the cabinets.

8) Choosing Countertops

Pick the best material your budget will allow. A durable material like granite will last and keep its beauty for years. A lower-end material could become worn much sooner. Know the properties of different stone, like marble, for example. It is a softer stone, and can stain or scratch more easily than harder stones. Corian or other solid surface materials can get interesting looks not found in natural stone. Other popular options include soapstone, which needs to be oiled, concrete which can be made to create some very unusual looks, or Formica if budget is your main priority.

9) Windows to the World

During kitchen renovations, consider adding or enlarging windows or skylights. Natural light can make a world of difference in a kitchen, not to mention provide you with a view outside. You might have to sacrifice some cabinet space, but it could be worth it. Keep in mind that the exterior finish of your home can dramatically change the cost of adding windows. A new stone opening is much more expensive to create than one that is framed in wood with wood or vinyl siding. If your exterior is stucco, the finish and color-matching may be issues. When adding skylights, the age of the existing roof is important. With an older roof, you may need to re-roof parts of your home to add the skylights.

10) Lighting Design

Don’t just throw in some high hats and task lights and be done. Lights can be an afterthought for some, but good lighting design can have a dramatic effect on a kitchen. All workspaces should be well lit, but you’ll also want to think about accent lights inside cabinets, wall washes to highlight artwork, or even color-changing LED lights to ramp up the fun factor.

While older homes can be loaded with charm and character, they also come with quirks and hidden surprises. As you begin to think about taking on an old home restoration or putting up an addition, there are some things to consider when dealing with an older house.

In a previous blog, we went over some of the “gotchas,” the existing conditions and surprises you should be aware of. Delving further into old home restoration, here are our top seven tips to keep in mind.

1) Know Your Budget

Come up with a project budget before you get started, and leave room to bring your home up to speed. Before you begin, start with the necessities, such as fixing the roof or foundation, or other failing systems in your home. Then, once everything is functioning properly, move on to the other updates and changes you want to make.

2) Prepare For Surprises

Behind the walls and ceilings of older homes can lurk some interesting things: multiple ceilings, sub-standard electrical wires, corroded plumbing, or even termite damage. If your design calls for eliminating or removing walls, know that doing so could reveal potentially costly surprises.

3) Restore or Repair?

Decide whether you want to replace or restore cabinets, fixtures, lighting, and windows. For example, you can change the whole look of a kitchen by prepping and painting your cabinets and adding new hardware. But those costs add up and might not save much over new cabinetry.

4) Lead Paint Removal

If your home was built before 1978 and has lead paint, know the facts. You can strip lead paint with a chemical stripper, or paint over it but sanding lead paint can release harmful lead into the air. Talk to your design/build team about your options, which can range from nothing to an expensive professional lead abatement.

5) Do Away With Moisture

A happy basement is a dry basement. Older homes can have moisture issues, which could cause rot and mold. During your old home restoration, look for signs of leakage, or deteriorated stone and mortar in foundations, and take care of these problems. Got a leaky roof, or one on its last legs? Maybe you should budget for a new roof while you tackle your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

6) Do It Yourself?

It’s easy to think “I can do that,” when it comes to old home restoration. Sure, you might be handy, but do you have the time and energy to take on a big project? If you do, clear your calendar. Remodels tend to take more time than you think, and surprises will crop up. If you are planning to do it yourself, seek advice on each task. YouTube can also be a good resource for DIY.

7) Team player

Be sure your design/build team has plenty of experience with older homes. The expertise of their craftsmen will play an important role in your project. Before a design is finalized, a good designer or architect will seek input from members of the construction team.

 

As remodelers of some fantastic and eclectic older homes, we’ve seen surprises turn up that run the gamut: pipes hidden in walls, stairs that aren’t up to code, and crooked floors and ceilings. These are some of the “gotchas”; the hidden conditions that can pop up when remodeling an old house.

As you and your design/build team embark on your home improvement project—be it an addition, a restoration, or a remodel—know before you begin that the following gotchas could be in store.

1) All Systems Go?

Are the essential systems of your home in good working order? What condition are your pipes, wiring, and heating and cooling systems in? Is the roof sound, and is your foundation standing up to the test of time? You don’t always know what you’ll find when you open up a wall, but you should know going into remodeling an old house if your systems are operational. If they’re old or deteriorated, you’ll want to budget for necessary repairs as part of the overall project.

2) Settling Down

Older homes settle over time. Depending on the age of your home, how it was constructed, and how its been maintained, settlement can throw things out of level. When renovating, we like to make things straight, plumb, and true. The problem is, you could end up with a new floor two inches higher than an older floor that it’s supposed to meet. Straightening everything out in an older house can be time consuming and costly, and your design and construction team should know what to look for and how to solve those problems going in.

3) Hidden Conditions Are Everywhere

If your remodeling plans include opening up a wall to create a more open space, cross your fingers. Behind that wall could be pipes, ductwork, or other things you weren’t anticipating. Before knocking down a wall, a good design/build team will cut an inspection hole to expose areas of concern during the design phase. If you find something too expensive to change, you might want to re-think the design. It’s always better to find these things out early in the process. Doing so saves time and money.

4) Get the Lead Out?

If your home was built before 1978, lead paint could be found, typically on trim and moldings. Professional lead paint abatement can be very costly, but you may not have to go to that length. Consult your builder on your options for removing, covering, or living with lead paint. You can find out more about lead in the home at the EPA’s web site.

5) Ghosts From the Past?

When doing a remodel, it’s possible to uncover work done by previous owners and contractors that isn’t up to par. If you discover any poorly done work, be prepared to make things right before continuing on. Sometimes an old plumber might have chopped through floor joists to get his pipes in, leaving a sagging floor to be dealt with a generation later.

6) Know the Code

Building codes change over time, and it’s likely in an older home that some things will not be up to code. If you plan to leave those things untouched you might be safe leaving it as non-conforming, but the minute you want to change it, you will need to bring it up to code. A staircase, for instance, could be out of code and ok to live with, but if you want to change the way the bottom stairs are aligned, be prepared to potentially rip out the whole staircase to bring it up to today’s standards. Many things can be affected by changes in codes, including electrical work, stairs and railings, rafter sizes, and more.

7) Get in the Zone

Like building codes, zoning codes also change over time. You may not be able to put an addition where you envisioned it because zoning code says it is too close to the property line, for example. The recourse is to know the codes and design your project to meet current zoning regulations, or seek a variance from town zoning officials when adding onto an old house.

8) Budget For Contingencies

You are likely to spend more than you think on contingencies and repairs. Prioritize what you’d like to get done in your addition or renovation, and leave 5 to 10 percent of your budget available for hidden surprises that arise. If you’re lucky, and surprises are few, you can spend the money on changes that you want instead of repairs you need.

9) Water World

Is your basement dry? Older homes can have cracks in the foundation that let water seep in. They also tend to lack drainage systems. Assess your basement, and button it up before you finish it. There’s nothing worse than finishing a basement and experiencing a flood once the job is complete!

10) Choose Your Team Wisely

Make sure your design/build team knows the ins and outs of remodeling an old house. Your team should have experienced plumbers, electricians, and a heating and air conditioning specialists on hand. These, and other tradespeople should contribute to your design early in the process, long before the project starts.