Finding the right house is the first and most important step of this endeavor. The lot and neighborhood cannot be changed, so pick the land and location carefully. A simple house on an excellent lot is the best choice for this type of project, and good solar exposure is crucial if a passive solar design is in your plans. Most subdivisions have a set of rules that determine the size and lot setbacks for remodeling, so do the necessary planning, before the final purchase.
Designing a Successful Remodeling Project Requires Patience and Careful Planning.
The size of new room additions can be more easily imagined if you mark them out on the ground and experiment with furniture. Sitting in an imagined room and admiring the view is a very enjoyable and productive method of planning a design.
If the remodel involves adding windows or doors, their position should be marked with masking tape, and carefully viewed for at least a few days. Pay particular attention to the best views and the position of the sun.
Start With a Long-Term Plan
Visualize the final goals of the property and imagine the finished project. The basic flow of the house is a crucial part of remodeling, so think room additions through carefully. A successful project will look and feel like a new home. Adding a sunroom can create a very enjoyable space and increase the solar efficiency of the home.
The Before and After of a Successful Remodel
The enclosed photos show a basic flat roofed house that was transformed into a very pleasant passive solar home. It sits on an excellent lot with good views and south exposure, but the original home did not have any south facing glass. The flat roof was leaking and was quickly replaced by building a pitched roof on top of it. This solved the water problem and created a third level studio which was a very comfortable space. Adding a two story sunroom created a great lounging area, and greatly increased the solar efficiency of the home.
A few additional windows took advantage of the views, and made the living spaces much more enjoyable, and a new attached garage and airlock entryway completed the project. Most of the windows and doors were recycled, and the design was based on the available materials.
Preparing Documents for Building Departments.
Building regulations are a major part of a remodeling project, and rules vary between areas, so contact your local building official first. Most building departments require a detailed set of construction plans and professional help may be required.
Finding Quality Materials
Selling recycled materials has become a productive business, so many opportunities for purchasing used building supplies are available. Products such as doors, windows, and cabinets, can often be found at a huge savings, but the buyer must be very cautious. Make sure that the items will work for your design, and that they are in good condition. The low budget remodeler must be flexible and willing to work with a design that fits a specific set of materials.
Focus and Determination
Remodeling can often be a love hate relationship. It involves long hours of strenuous labor, and many phases of the project are very messy. Most projects will take longer and cost more than your originally imagined, but watching your house grow can be very enjoyable. It is a great thrill to sit in a newly finished space and admire your diligent efforts.
John Mattson - Award winning author and photographer, lifelong adventure traveler and master of 4 extreme sports.
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