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If you undertake home remodeling, beware! I thought I had a good handle on everything. I do not. Now, it is like a speeding train. Everything is torn up so now I must finish no matter the cost. It is cheaper to build new than to remodel, IMHO. One thing leads to another, leads to another and on and on!
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I can sympathize completely. We are remolding our 140 year old house right now, partially. Things always come up that aren't planned, but in reality, it would cost more to build a new house from scratch because you have to do it all at once. That's my rationalization and I'm stickin to it
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Uh, good luck with that "realization". My home was intitially built in 1851. I still think it would have been cheaper to start over.Comment
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I am in the same boat but with foundation problems. It depends on how you look at it.Originally posted by cschin4 View Post
If we made the house stronger again, it is cheaper to rebuild. (depending on how often you get permits and in what areas)
If we made the house to be our dream house and put everything we wanted in it, it would be cheaper to build new.
I had to let go of some of my ideas I wanted in this house and just stick to the basis. While I always wanted a very nice house... I have to sit down and tell myself that a house is just a house. Just don't forget other qualities in your life like spending time with people and etc and after all not having the dream house does not seem so bad but do make it the best we can.Comment
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I know a little how that goes, and it can be rough. Financially it hurts and mentally it's exhausting.
We bought our house in '02 and it needed a lot of work (thankfully most all of it cosmetic). We paid about 80% of the going market value at the time and all the professionals (real estate) told us what an amazing deal we were getting. We ended up doing just about all the work ourselves, and when all was said and done we'd spent the 20% we saved on the house- and remember, that is just supplies, no labor charges. We got a fair deal, but hardly a magnificent one. Unfortunately, DH and I are the only ones truly aware of that.
The only really nice thing that comes to mind for me about remodeling is that I have no vision, so it would be very hard for me to build new. With a remodel, you at least have your "bones" and work from there.
Good luck to you. I really feel for ya.Comment
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We remodeled too. We did it in 2 phases. "Scope Creep" was incredible. We spent 2x as much as we thought we would in both phases. I always tell my friends who start a remodel project, take whatever you think it will cost and double it to get your Real cost.Comment
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My husband is a builder and once in a while does a remodel. He would much rather build a new house. I have never in my life lived in a house that someone else ever lived in. Always a new house!Comment
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Just don't forget other qualities in your life like spending time with people and etc and after all not having the dream house does not seem so bad but do make it the best we can.
Yes, you are so right. It is easy to get carried away on building your "dream house". Right now I am chomping at the bit to buy a professional grade Gas stove. But, with the $3-6K pricetag I know that I am really just fooling myself. I am average cook. I can follow a recipie but I am no budding chef. But, I really, really , really like the Kitchen Aid Stove priced at $3700! On the other hand, I doubt having such a stove will make me a better cook. These decisions are tough as you have to decide how much "upgrading" is really worth it.Comment
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Home Depot has free classes and will teach you how to do just about everything. I never touch electrical or plumbing but have retiled numerous tub surrounds, a floor and a kitchen counter. I've also learned to put up and float sheetrock. And of course you can paint everything yourself. I've saved thousands this way. Go take the free classes on Saturdays.Comment
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That $3700 stove will not make your cooking any better.Originally posted by cschin4 View Post
I struggled with this too ... and ultimately decided on this Frigidaire range. I see now that they have come out with a new one that if they had 3 years ago I probably would've chosen instead... but anyway, I could NOT be happier with this range. It is FANTASTIC. I think it has made my cooking better than the sad electric stove that was in my apartment. 
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I've wanted to remodel my kitchen for years, and figured I'd save 20% of the budget for overruns, but doubling it is scary! Guess I'll keep putting it off a while longer.Comment
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Update: I found a fab commercial 6 burner range for $1400. Think I will get that one. Stainless steel and built like a behemoth.Comment
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From what I've seen, shopping around can make a HUGE difference in savings... One of my friends from work was eyeing up a gas grill that was priced at $14,000..... I looked around for her and found one for about $6,000.Comment
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I have lived through a remodel that was half tear down and rebuild and half gutting and remodeling. The main thing with remodels is knowing what you are getting into. We realized that a 100 year old house has certain issues so there were no budget overruns. But then, my father has lots of experience with remodeling and carpentry and we had family and friends do the labor part.
A lot of people ignore the common issues with older houses though. They think, I just want to change this, but ignore that the electric wires can't handle that load, the pipes are too small or some other similar infrastructure detail that matters.Comment
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