Remodeling. Being your own Contractor!

 
    Taking on a home remodeling project is not without its stresses but can offer many rewards. Whether it’s a project to make the home more your own, adding a long desired additional space, or a forced remodel due to a repair issue or fixing it up to sell...there are certain things that you'll need to consider before diving in. It is a matter of what you are wanting to accomplish in the end?

    Before starting a remodel project, you need to consider if this is something that you can do and manage on your own? Or do you need to hire a contractor to plan, purchase and coordinate to get this done?
   When doing a project on your own you need to have contacts for electricians, plumbers and people who can do the work that you are wanting.  You also need to be able to purchase the materials for these workers, such as the flooring, tile, counters, fixtures, the grout for the tile, paint, etc.   If you feel you have the contacts and know where to purchase these items then perhaps you are ready to be your own contractor!  If you feel this would be too much for you then it may be wise to interview a few contractors and hire one to help in making your vision a reality.   *For both routes, you will want to make sure you have at least 2 bids on costs to determine that you are not overpaying. 

Kitchen Before

When I found my home I knew there were things that needed to be done to make me happy and that a remodel was in my future as a home buyer. As an agent I also wanted to keep it within reason, always keeping resale values in mind.
 The kitchen is where I started, the cabinets were really old, appliances outdated and I really believed that this would have to be a total redo.   Then I stepped back and considered what I could restore myself which would save me money in the long run.  The cabinets may have been old and a little dirty but they were real wood and nothing was broken! So with a little elbow grease and $40 in paint I was able to transform the cabinets which left only the counter and appliance update cost. 

            

Kitchen After Remodel

I chose a granite counter top that pulled all my colors together really giving my kitchen a traditional and warm look. *Often granite stores will sell remnants of granite at a much cheaper price...just ask! 

 As with many in San Antonio, TX foundation issues can come up.   If you have a slab and your foundation starts to slope, the only way to fix is to specifically place jacks (lifting equipment similar to a car jack) to level the home.   Many times the foundation repair company will have to open up your floors and drill into the slab inside to properly level your home.   This may be traumatic for you as additional damage is necessary to repair the issue but I see this as a way to do another remodel to the home.   In this case, the company had to drill into the hallway ripping up the tile in the process. 

   As you can see, the foundation repair was extensive.   The entire time I told myself these holes will be covered up and soon I will be able to enjoy new floors.   For a while I wondered should I replace what was originally there or do something different.  As it is me, I went for something different and give it a more upgraded feel.   The living room was already redone with wood flooring and only the hallway and family room were left as tile, due to the cost of ripping up the tile.   So I took the opportunity to expand the hardwood to include the hallway as the tile was now ripped out.  The result came out great. 

Hallway Floors Before

*When going through an issue like this, always remember to check with your insurance company.  Most of the time they will cover the full cost or give you a cash out if wanting to make changes that are more expensive. 

As the tile was ripped out by the foundation company that cost was saved which allowed the hardwood to be put in.   

Hallway Floors After

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    Remodeling can be a major project but the reward can be even greater.   As the market goes up and availability starts to become less buyers have to think outside the box in order to find the kind of home they're looking for.   As we all know area is the biggest aspect in all buyers’ minds, but the home you are wanting may not exist or be available. Which is why to remember that if the home is the right size and in the right area then think if you did some remodeling, will this home be perfect for you.

Travis Reed, Associate Broker for River Valley Real Estate

19202 Huebner  Road, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78258
210-853-5327