Build New or Stay and Remodel

There are three possible scenarios involved in that question:

1. Stay where you are and renovate
2. Move to an existing house and renovate
3. Build a new house for you to move into

There are numerous considerations, not the least of which is how you feel about your existing location. That word – LOCATION – should be your primary focus. Do you prefer to remain where you are, or not? Is staying where you are an option, or are you forced to relocate due to a job change, or other issues?

If you wish to stay where you are, there’s no reason to read this article. Remodeling and/or expanding the place where you now live is the least expensive alternative – by far.

Your aggravation levels will increase during the construction, but they will do that with either of the other choices as well. If it gets to be too much, you can move to a motel for 2 months, eat dinner out every night, and still come out cheaper than either option 2 or option 3. If you want to be in your present home, case closed.

So let’s assume you have to move, and we’ll concentrate on option 2 vs. option 3. There are two important aspects of this topic which apply to both.

• In both cases you have to research the property with the building department to make sure you will be able to do what you wish. Verify zoning, lot size restrictions, and access to utilities.

• You will have unknown costs (moving, insurance, taxes, financing costs, etc.) in either case.

Advantages of remodeling an existing house:

• Fewer hidden (or unknown) costs. New homes often have impact fees, ground preparation fees, and higher permit fees than those imposed for remodeling.

• Hard construction costs will be less (usually, but not always).

• You can move into the house much sooner. If you have to leave your existing home quickly, you may not have the ability to wait for a new home to be built.

Advantages of building new:

• Unrestricted design potential, allowing you to end up with a more modern, better insulated home, with better traffic flow than you would have in an older building. Also, older homes have less closet/storage space than new ones.

• Your long term energy costs will be lower because all of your equipment will be running more efficiently.

• Less disruption to family routine. While construction is happening, you’re still living in your present house. Then you move into a finished product (possibly with some decorative items to complete).

I’m sure you noticed that I haven’t listed costs in either list. The determining factor is going to be the extent of the renovation to the existing building. Depending upon the condition of the house, age, building codes and other factors, it can actually be more costly to remodel than to build new.

In either case, allow an extra 20% in your budget over and above any quoted costs you’ve obtained. 10% is for upgrades that you decide upon after initial pricing. The other 10% is for the rising costs of material and labor. If the price of oil goes through the roof again, 10% might not be enough.

If the older home was built between 1950 and 1978, there might be issues having to do with asbestos and lead paint. Make sure you get a professional inspection performed. You may also be required to bring the plumbing and electrical systems up to date.

In conclusion, renovating a home might be very rewarding, as well as the cheaper alternative. However, you have to do your homework before making the commitment, in order to insure that you’re not stepping into a money pit. Every situation is different. Your decision will probably come down to what your sixth sense tells you. Regardless of how you choose, anticipate that moving into a new home will take more time and more money than expected. by: charles gueli

Handyman

Handyman is a person who is skilled at doing variety of tasks. If a woman is doing all these jobs, she can be called a handywoman. Mostly, a handyman is called for doing some repairs or maintenance job at home or office. Sometimes, you feel that you can do that particular task by yourself but you do not have the time or the tools to do that. A handyman usually should be able to do both types of works – major and minor. The tasks which a handyman can do include drywall repair, painting, remodeling, minor electrical or plumbing works, furniture assembly or minor furniture repair.

In some regions, handymen should get license and should be insured. These requirements are laid for safety reasons. Minor plumbing works like connecting new sinks, installing new washing machines, replacing taps or fixing dripping taps can be done without a license.

In many countries, there are professional companies which offer handyman services. These companies often hire experienced, licensed and trained handymen. Clients can rely on the quality of their services. Another advantage of hiring a handyman from a company is they value your appointments and offer best services which are the trademark of that company.

You can get to know about independent handyman from the mouth of word. You can get references about his past works from his earlier clients. When you call him, let him check the problem and get a quote from him to make sure what sort of cost you may expect.

There are few handyman tips available to you if you want to try your hand at repairing works at home.

• Choose correct fixings while working with hollow or solid walls.

• While using drill to make a hole in the wall, take a piece of paper and hold it against the wall to collect the dust which comes out of the wall. It will lessen cleaning work.

• Get a screwdriver bit set. It has two advantages: one, you can change the bit instead of entire screwdriver when its tips wear out; two, range of bits in the bit set is much wider.

• While working with nuts, bolts and screws, remember one rule, “Left is loose, and Right is Tight”.

• To hold a very small nail, you can hold it in the teeth of a fine comb.

by: Joanna Harris

DIY Tips For Installing A Suspended Ceiling

Researchers at the NAHB Research Center found that heating a home with ceiling-mounted radiant panels produced energy savings of 33 percent compared to a heat pump and 52 percent compared to baseboard heaters. Radiant Ceiling Panels 375w 277v
A suspended ceiling offers some real advantages over the permanent variety. First, it conceals obstructions attached to the underside of the joists, yet allows easy access for fixing pipes or adding wiring later on. Suspended ceilings are also better sound barriers than drywall ceilings and since you level the ceiling as you install it, the existing joists need not be level or even straight.
With a suspended system you can add insulation and install ceiling lights by simply removing an acoustical panel and replacing it with a special drop-in fluorescent fixture, you can even add a drop in that has a built in heating element.

Materials

* graph paper
* nails
* ceiling panels

Tools

* laser level
* measuring tape
* pencil
* hammer
* hacksaw
* wire cutter
* wall angle
This is probably the most important tool for the project:“lazer leveling”
Firstly, mark the height of your intended ceiling on the wall. Then transfer this level around the room with a spirit level and fix the angle bead to your line.
Fit suspension wire brackets to each existing joist at 600mm centres and 150mm in from each wall.
Suspend the main Tees from the existing ceiling at right angles to the existing joints. The distance between the main Tees can be be the same as the width of your chosen ceiling tiles. It is possible, using longer cross Tees, to increase the distance between main Tees. Refer to the instructions on the kit you have chosen.
Cut the cross Tees with a hack saw and drop them into the main Tees. Space them out so they are the same distance apart as the width of the ceiling tiles. You will need to cut any tiles which do not fit at the edges. Tiles can be easily cut with a hobby knife.
Here is a step by step PDF with good illustrations.DIY Instructions for suspended ceiling installation PDF.For more help here is a good book.Remodeler’s Guide to Suspended Ceilings: Complete Instructions on Selling, Planning and Installing Suspended Ceilings