How-to Guides

Renovating an existing home can be a significant undertaking. There are budget issues to resolve, permits to obtain, contractors to interview, and legal factors to consider. This article provides an overview of issues you may want to consider when updating the look or structure of your home.
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Establishing a budget is an important first step for many homeowners. Costs vary widely, depending on whether you pursue a standard renovation project with materials purchased from a national chain store vs. a high-end remodel with elements designed to your specifications. For example, REMODELING Online has estimated that the cost of a kitchen renovation can range from $17,928 to more than $54,241, depending on the scope of the work done. An upscale makeover with elements custom-designed for a homeowner may cost significantly more.

REMODELING Online's 2006 Cost vs. Value Report presented the following national averages for mid-range renovations frequently undertaken by homeowners:

• Vinyl siding replacement: $9,134
• Vinyl window replacement: $10,160
• Bathroom remodel: $12,918
• Roof replacement: $14,276
• Deck addition: $14,728
• Bathroom addition: $28,918
• Basement remodel: $56,724

Many homeowners want to select renovation projects that are likely to yield the highest return on their investment when they ultimately sell their home. The following renovations are those most likely to result in a payback for homeowners:

In most instances, a building permit is required when the living area of a home is changed or when structural work is undertaken. For instance, transforming an unfinished attic into a master bedroom suite typically requires a permit. The types of permits mandated by different jurisdictions vary considerably. If you are undertaking a project that encompasses structural, plumbing and electrical work -- such as a new bathroom or kitchen -- you may need separate building, plumbing and electrical permits.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends that homeowners not take out their own permits but instead leave this task to their contractor, who typically is familiar with the permitting process in a given locale. Typically, the individual who obtains a permit is considered to be the contractor and is legally responsible if work does not adhere to local building codes. Requiring your contractor to obtain permits protects you legally and is part of the job you are paying a contractor to do. Because it can take weeks or months to obtain permits, be sure to leave time in your schedule for the permitting process.
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A contract defines the scope of a job and provides a degree of legal protection for both the contractor and the homeowner. Although contracts vary in length, they frequently include the following provisions:

• Details about what the contractor will and will not do
• A list of materials specifying size, color, model and other particulars
• Approximate start and completion dates
• Design plans that you approve before work begins
• Right of Recision, a federal law that requires a contractor to inform a homeowner of the right to cancel a contract without penalty within three days of signing it
• Financial terms, including total price, payment schedule and cancellation penalty
• Warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year

You may want to ask your attorney to review the contract before you sign it.

Paying attention to your budget, potential return on investment, permits and a written contract may help ensure that your renovation project is a success. Even if problems do emerge, you will have a framework for dealing with them and potentially moving on to a satisfactory completion.
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