If you are considering whether to remodel an existing house or tear it down and start over or a brand new construction home there are several factors to help you decide. This is a major decision that requires careful consideration. To make the right choice for your budget and needs, start with a few questions. First take a hard look at what you hope to achieve, consider the condition of your existing house, and local laws that may affect the project. If moving isn’t an option, read on for tips on determining whether it’s better to remodel or rebuild your existing home.
If you plan to be in the house for a long-term and then sell it, it is usually wiser to tear down and rebuild, at least from a financial perspective. The physical elements of a home are on a timer. Exterior paint usually lasts about seven years. Appliances tend to last less than a decade, central air conditioners last about 10 to 15 years, and roofs are good for about 20 years.
With a rebuild, you reset the clock in terms of the house’s physical nature. When it comes time to sell, say a decade later, you’re selling a 10-year-old house instead of one that is 40 years old. As a bonus, you had the pleasure of living in a new house during that time period. Buyers are usually very attuned to the age of a house. Real estate agents and home inspectors will usually point out this factor as well.
A home built in the 2000s is more appealing than one built in the 1970s. Not only considering the aging of the raw material, but code enforcements also have changed to make homes more durable. This is especially true in areas like Lee County and Collier County Southwest Florida where we are prone to hurricanes and tropical force winds.
Budget Considerations
If you are on a tighter budget, remodeling is another option. For example, you can start by remodeling the kitchen or a bathroom, and then move on to other rooms as your budget and time allow.
Alternatively, the teardown and rebuild option is all-or-nothing. After the demolition you’re left with a vacant lot, committing you to the new build. Unless you want to be the owner of a vacant lot, you have to keep moving forward. The worst thing is to have a house that is only partially complete because structures left exposed to the elements will age rapidly.
For the most part, a remodel project can be completed while you are living in the home. This can be a benefit in both cost savings and convenience. It also may be necessary if it is your primary residence. Keep in mind, however, that your family will be living in a construction zone for a time. Consider safety issues regarding children and pets during a remodel.
A complete tear-down and rebuild require you and your family to make temporary living arrangements during construction. Consider the extra costs that come with having to move out of your home for up to several months if you decide to rebuild.
Zoning Laws and Permits
Finally, be aware of zoning laws in your community. In many areas, a rebuild is limited to the original footprint of the home. This means you usually can not tear down a small house and build a mansion. Zoning laws may restrict the height of the new home. So be sure to investigate zoning and permitting laws in your city or county before beginning work whether remodeling or rebuilding.
Whether you decide to remodel or rebuild in the Fort Myers or Naples, Florida areas consider Hard Hats Construction services for your questions or needs.
