Reno - what are the steps?

11 years ago

Dear All,

We are thinking of renovating our inter-terrace house, a family home for the past 30 years. I'm at a lost (and confused) how to start the process and we have limited budget. The front facade has to be made more contemporary without changing the front gates.

Then some space planning in the back of house for a room downstairs, open up the dining to link with wet/ dry kitchen.

The rooms upstairs to be extended out to the balcony.

Do I need to get an architect to design the external facade or an ID company can also do the job?

If I want to project manage the reno, is there any step sheet like what comes first - eg plumbling then flooring then electricity, etc?

Sorry for the many questions. Many thanks in advice for any advice/comments.

Jawsnice

Comments (6)

PRO
Dytecture
11 years ago
Hi, I would recommend hiring an architect for a job this size, since you are not only changing the exterior, but adding onto the house as well. There are many resources online to help you through the construction process. You would basically be contacting all construction trades at the same time to get a quote first, then after you pick the ones to go with, organize a schedule so it will fit them as well. It's a big of a juggling act and it could be overwhelming for the first time, so back to my point about hiring an architect can be helpful for guidance and reassurance when needed.
laorquidia
11 years ago
we are in the process of buying a fixer upper. My uncle is a GC and I plan on enlisting his help. Anyways, from the research I've done - these are the general steps:
Plan, plan and more planning. You will save yourself money if you have a good plan and stick to it. 1. demo. 2. plumbing. 3. electrical 4. drywall. 5. paint. 6 flooring. (if you are framing something that should go before plumbing). Also, make sure you go to your town's code office and get the required permits. that can also be a great source of information. they should be willing to help and ensure the work is done to code. If you are removing a wall, enlist the help of a structural engineer to make sure the wall is not load bearing and it won't be dangerous to take it down.
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S. Thomas Kutch
11 years ago
First thing you need to understand is the scope of the project and what your abilities and experience will cover. Do you have any experience managing a construction project? Have you ever scheduled a construction project? Have you drawn up a trades (i.e. framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc., etc..) contract? Have you ever dealt with the permitting office in pulling permits? Have you ever inspected any construction for quality and compliance to the design documents? Have you ever dealt with inspections or construction deficiencies and had to resolve them with the sub-contractors? If you can't answer yes to all these questions, then you're venturing into a field you know little or nothing about. Any mistakes or stumbles you make in your learning curve are most likely going to be costly in both time and your budget.

There are some projects that are DIY level.......there are some that would best be left to those of us already having the background and experience. Let me give you an example. I have an oak tree beside the house I'm renovating. It sits about 12' from the end of the house and has at least a 30' radius drip line which means it extends out over the roof of the house. Having spent a number of years of my young life on a ranch and farm, I know how to drop trees. I know how to operate a chain saw safely without loosing a limb or making a quick trip to the ER. From years in the construction / design field, I know how to operate a high lift ......... but even I know that the task of removing this tree is beyond my level in spite of my willingness and wish to save the $3500 I've been quoted. There are some things best left to the pros. Besides, If I drop a 14" diameter limb on the roof, I would never hear the end of it from my wife.

Based solely on the questions you asked, I would highly recommend that you hire an Architect to help you with the design and your budget. Then I would find a well recommended GC to do the job......I'm betting you'll make the most of your limited budget going this route.
PRO
Vikrant Sharma Homez
11 years ago
I'm of the view that you should get a Architect ASAP As Dytecture suggested .
Tarey Cullen
11 years ago
To paraphrase an old saying; A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. and a homeowner who attempts a construction project beyond his knowledge and expertise will have an idiot who has lost a lot of money as his client...
and "El barato sale caro" (The cheap becomes expensive)
jawsnice
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you all for your advice. I know it's a hugh project and going to be really stressful too. Getting expert help will be the way to go. Many thanks again.

Reno - what are the steps?

Comments (6)

Dytecture

laorquidia

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Reno - what are the steps?

Comments (6)

Dytecture

laorquidia

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S. Thomas Kutch

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jawsnice
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