….a remodeling memory~~ Part III by NerdMom….a remodeling memory~~ Part III by NerdMom
Doyle is FINALLY getting used to the idea of remodeling reality....
Once we got the OK from the bank on the construction loan, we could dig in and get busy! However, like everything else in life, there were a couple of hidden costs we didn't realize we would have. First, the construction loan had fees and other mumbo jumbo in the amount of $732.00 that apparently wasn't part of the loan. The construction loan check box on the mortgage papers included the following expenses. (I understand these vary from bank to bank):
We can borrow a maximum of $60,000.00 and that includes the balance of our present mortgage; so any hidden costs will be coming out of our pocket :O( Some folks might find it helpful to hire a professional remodeler. A professional can help you plan your budget and would likely know what problems are concealed in your plans. Once the building permit is applied for, as an example, the electrician you hire will be required to bring your project up to code. In our case, the building instector will make several visits to our home. We are waiting for him to check the trench depth of the new addition; it needs to be 41 inches deep, or below the frostline. We can't poor the footings until he checks. When the footings are poored, he'll make a 2nd check. Other checks will be made after the electrician is finished, the plumbing and heating has been roughed in and then a final check (within 6 months) when the project is complete. We have a wedding in October; so that is our mental timeline to completion. One thing to remember is that the building inspector is an independent party, hired by the city, to ensure that safety issues are met. He doesn't look at the quality of work; that is the homeowner's job.
Today, it's easier than ever to plan your remodeling projects down to the last nail and screw. Magazines like Woman's Day and Better Homes and Gardens have special interest magazines that list hundreds of resources to help you plan, design and implement your remodeling projects.
The one investment that I suggest you make is a Polaroid camera . I'm finding that it is the perfect compliment to our scanner and we're able to get pictures uploaded daily.
One of the websites we kept returning to time and again was Hometime.Com. I'm telling you, that place has everything you ever wanted to know about just about anything on remodeling. For one thing, we're always looking for ways to economically make our home more handicap accessible. They had some very affordable ideas for both ramps and bathrooms/accessories. Hehehe....they also have great tips if you want to completely trash your bathroom and start over. Ya ya, they suggested using a sledge hammer on the old bathtub! Our 10 year old is begging to wield the first blow....like she can even pick up the sledge hammer.
While we were waiting for the backhoe to do it's job, we started knocking out the closet wall between the laundryroom and our bedroom . I'm always amazed on the amount of plaster dust that finds it's way to the rest of the house....yuck....from white footprints covering the floors to that thin white layer of schmuck covering everything else.
While looking through Internet sites for information on remodeling costs, I found Kendall Homes...Step By Step..A Decision-Making Guide for Home Remodeling to be helpful also. I guess it's true, we Americans do love to remodel our houses. The site states that ten million homeowners undertake remodeling projects yearly. Now THAT is a lot of nails and screws...
Here is a list of other helpful links to help you find information on your particuliar home improvement:
Kitchen and Bath Info
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Jenn-Air..the sign of a great cook
Advanced Furniture Outfitters - provider of Sauder Woodworking
Window Info
Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc.
Floors Walls and Ceilings
Tilescapes Rub on tile transfers
This and That
The Decorating Den - Decorating Service
Below, you will find a site index along with other homesteading links
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Updated August 3, 1999
