Where to start with possible Gut Reno

Hello, My family has grown by one member and our space needs to be completely rethought or we need to move. Before moving is an option, we need to see what we can do with our space. Can anyone speak to the process of starting to consider a gut renovation? I need to focus on step one right now. I’m guessing I need to hire an architect to pitch floorplans for the project based on our needs? I’m an admitted noob so any advice is greatly appreciated. Also any recommendations on good architects or engineers for small spaces. Thank you.

8104012

in Renovation 9 years and 6 months ago

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bshah | 9 years and 6 months ago

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Hello. We are an architecture and interior design firm and have worked on a variety of residential projects and would be happy to discuss your scope of work if you like. You can look at my website that documents the different stages of the renovation for better understanding. Feel free o contact me if you would like to discuss. I will be happy to give some input! Bhavesh Shah.

peaceout | 9 years and 6 months ago

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Here’s some sage advice on renovations. Just the highlights, there is a lot more: Double/triple the length of time your contractor tells you. Make sure the scope of work is throughly detailed in the contract, if something is added/deleted make sure it reflects in the contract. Make sure your contractor is licensed and fully insured. Figure 20% higher than cost quoted from contractor. Pay 1/3 up front, 1/3 in the middle (upon satisfaction), 1/3 upon TRUE completion. Be nice to your neighbors, and make sure the contractor and crew are nice to neighbors and considerate (parking/noise/cleaning). Try to be around if possible, especially for the big stuff. Get receipts.If you ever sell, this will come in handy.

8104012 | 9 years and 6 months ago

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Hey guys, thanks for the advice. This is great to hear. I will say that hearing your thoughts on prices are hopeful too, since we do only have about 600 sqft and very high ceilings.

Lurker | 9 years and 6 months ago

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Great advice from Slope: get the free, big picture advice to get an accurate lay of the land. Just a few pointers as far as gut route goes. It’s hard, and expensive, and you have to allow a year from breaking ground, and hope it goes less (and pray it doesnt’ go longer). If you’re going to the effort of an actual to-the-studs gut, then you will surely end up replacing your wiring to bring it to code, and likely a lot of plumbing as you’ll move stuff, or discover it’s messed up, including gas if you’re moving things, and what the heck let’s get a more efficient heating system and add AC too. For a 3 story building that’s often around 100k for those items alone, and that can go much higher depending on what you get. Architect fees tend to be way more than most people realize, easily 20k for a home gut, probably much more if you reconfigure etc. If you have the patience, and the resources, it’s all doable.

slopefarm | 9 years and 6 months ago

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If you are really considering gut reno vs move, I would get better bearings on the scope of the job before going too far down the road. Interview several architects, walk through the house. You can have a general discussion with several architects about scope before you actually contract with one to draw plans etc. Get a rough (and from an architect it is rough) idea of the cost and time of the job. maybe interview a couple of GCs, too. You might find yourself in a more sufficiently knowledgeable position to decide which direction to go before you commit to paying for work.