Home Repairs: Do-it-Yourself or Hire a Contractor?

Whether you are  remodeling your existing home, or considering buying a new home that needs some work, consider the pluses and minuses of either doing the work yourself as opposed to hiring a contractor.

If you are patient,  don't mind physical labor,  and have knowledge of building,  it may be a consideration.  If not, it may not be the best idea.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)  created a pretty good 17 question quiz, "Home Improvement Projects: Do It Yourself Or Hire A Professional?" to help you decide what is best for you.

The quiz  is interesting, and brings up many points that  do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) tend to forget about, or overlook.  Most  often, the DIYer considers how difficult the job is,  how much money they will save, and what type of remodel/repair  needs to be done.

There are many different aspects of any remodeling job, and a lot of unforeseen snags can happen along the way. Compounding  that is another issue- if you realize that you got in too deep and need contractor assistance,  many professional builders/contractors hesitate to repair a homeowner's mistakes. Also consider that fixing a remodel/repair done by yourself can easily prove to be more costly than hiring a professional to do the project in the first place.

A recent survey indicated that  40 percent responded that their decision to go  DIY had to do with overall cost, and 25 percent indicated the level of perceived difficulty led them to make that decision. Safety was surprisingly  not a factor, as only 2 percent indicated a concern  on that front.

Take the quiz here-  and many thanks to NARI for creating it.

http://www.nari.org/consumers/homeowner-resources/diy-or-hire-a-pro/

If you answered yes to eight or more of these questions, it may be an interesting option for you to go DIY. However, before you head out to go get your supplies and equipment, take a second look at your "no's". A good contractor will save you more than you realize if you attempt to do the job yourself, and then need to hire one anyway. Best of luck with your decision, and if you happen to decide to sell rather than remodel, I am just a phone call away :)

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Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Before You Buy a Home to Renovate in Fairfield County CT

The idea of buying an older property and renovating it into your dream home or a moneymaker is appealing to many people. But with that excitement also comes a lot of potential problems.

It's important that you know what you're getting yourself into. Before taking on a fixer-upper, consider if it's the right type of property for you and what it will actually take to renovate.
Decide What's Right for You

    Pros and cons. While a lower sales price, potential for resale profit, and a sense of personal satisfaction are certainly possible, there can also be a lot of unseen costs associated with buying a home that needs repair.
    Patience is required. Depending on the size of the renovation, a fixer-upper can take anywhere from a month to more than a year to complete. Be aware that you and your family's lives may be disrupted for a significant amount of time. If this doesn't work for your lifestyle, it's best to think about a different type of property.
    Money. Renovations can be very costly. If you won't have much money left over for renovations after your down payment and closing costs, you may want to consider a house you can live in while it's being fixed up. Whatever you decide, remember that there will be extra expenses no matter how carefully you plan.

What to Consider When Looking

    Location, location, location. It's the golden rule of real estate and also applies to fixer-uppers. Do your research. Check average home prices and schools in the area. Take a stroll around the neighborhood to see if the homes are well maintained. Buying the worst house on the best block that you can afford can be a great option.
    Condition. This can vary widely from a house requiring cosmetic repairs to a total gut rehab. If you want to minimize renovation costs, look for a home that has "good bones" — a solid roof and foundation, natural light, good floor plan, quality construction, and a coherent design.
    Layout. Many older homes are chopped up into several rooms and their layout may not work for you. While it is certainly possible to knock down walls and rearrange the floor plan, it can sometimes be expensive or impractical. Keep this in mind when thinking about your renovation budget.
    Configuration. Search for houses that have the approximate square feet and number of bedrooms and bathrooms you desire. While it is possible to add these things when renovating, they can really add up, especially if you expand the footprint of a house.

Repairs and Remodeling

    Budgeting. When considering a property, a fixer-upper calculator can help you get started with a rough estimate of renovation costs. A reputable contractor can also assist in the process.
    Minor renovations. These can include:
        Patching and painting walls
        Refinishing floors
        Laying tile or carpet
        Installing light fixtures and switches
        Fixing broken windows
        Installing new or refacing existing kitchen cabinets
        Replacing doors
        Painting the exterior
        Adding a deck
    Major renovations. These can include:
        Replacing HVAC systems or adding central air
        Fixing foundations
        Replacing the roof
        Installing new plumbing, sewer lines, or wiring
        Replacement windows
        Kitchen and bath remodels
        Building garages and additions
    Financing

    Federal Housing Administration offers a 203k loan that allows borrowers to purchase a property while also financing the cost of rehabilitation.
    Don't over-improve.

    Consider how adjacent houses have been finished. If most have lower-end finishings, it's probably not best to spend your money on granite countertops, copper bathroom fixtures, and marble floors. Your fixer-upper should be in line with — or just slightly above — the standards of homes in your neighborhood.

    Purchasing a home is probably one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. And while it may seem overwhelming, a fixer-upper can be a great way to get good value for your money. Do your homework, talk to professionals you trust, and make a smart, informed decision.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

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The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1,349,900. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Obtaining Home and Building Products For Your Fixer-Upper at Clubs Like Direct Buy

When it comes to purchasing a "fixer-upper" home, many buyers  initially think that a home that needs work will be a great bargain,  but once they realize how much everything will cost, they tend to shy away from the house, mainly because they are calculating the costs of materials involved. Building  materials, appliances and home goods can add up and become expensive- sometimes equalling or surpassing  the amount of downpayment on the house! So although those 'Fixer-upper' homes present an excellent investment opportunity to home buyers, many don't move forward with that typr of house  because they perceive a never ending project that will end up depleting their bank accounts on materials alone.  

Home buyers who are not experienced with the basics of remodeling should consult with a licensed home inspector, and a licensed remodeling contractor before purchasing a home that needs work. Such professionals can provide you with a basic understanding of the steps needed to complete your desired projects, and most contractors  will offer to perform any tasks necessary to bring your home up to your standards. However, to receive the greatest profit on your investment, you should attempt to complete as many aspects of your project as you reasonably and comfortably can.

If you are thinking about selling your home, and it needs some updates, remember that homes with renovated kitchens, bathrooms, and master suites are invariably sold at higher prices than their outdated counterparts, and by upgrading those key areas of your house, you can increase the value of your property. No one says that it has to be a very expensive remodel. The general buyer population prefers homes that are in move-in condition, and those homes will continue to sell at a premium, because renovation projects can seem somewhat complex and more expensive than they actually are.

Unfortunately, many home owners are reluctant to undertake major renovation projects because they fear that inexperience will cause them to make costly mistakes. However, Direct Buy reviews attest that the biggest single component that you need in order to complete a successful renovation is access to low-cost supplies. A Direct Buy membership enables you to acquire furniture, appliances, lighting, and more at manufacturer prices.
 
A club like Direct Buy Membership has its privileges and can be quite advantageous. Direct Buy reviews explains how the company allows home owners to purchase the supplies that they need without paying retail markups. Home renovators can use these inexpensive goods to perform home updates that are considered desirable by most purchasers; for example, many home buyers expect to find granite countertops in the kitchen, a spa tub in the bathroom, and hardwood floors throughout. By incorporating these updates, you can  boost equity and value of your home.

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Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Your Historic Connecticut Home

As the cost of energy rises, resource supplies become precious and the public becomes increasingly aware of environmental dangers associated with the Historic houses pose unique challenges to energy-reducing retrofitsburning of fossil fuels, home energy efficiency has become more than a fringe concern. Homeowners worldwide are currently enhancing their homes’ energy efficiency, although owners of historic homes have met some unique challenges: How do you introduce new architectural elements into an old home without interfering with its original design? As luck would have it, this concern is somewhat balanced by energy-saving qualities already present in many historic homes that reduce the need for alterations. This article details the ways that historic homes are inherently energy-efficient, and offers ways that such assets can be further improved.
 

Historic buildings are often more energy-efficient than modern construction. In fact, studies have shown that buildings constructed before 1940 require less energy consumption for heating and cooling than houses built during the subsequent 35 years. Before electricity was available, homes capitalized on natural sources of lighting, heating and ventilation because the house itself – not electric lights and heaters – was all that protected occupants from the elements. Some specific elements of older buildings that contribute to their excellent energy efficiency are as follows:

   * thick, heat-retaining masonry walls made from stone or brick;
   * exterior balconies, porches, wide roof overhangs, rooftop ventilators, clerestories, skylights, awnings and shade trees were all used in homes built in warmer climates;
    *windows often include exterior shutters, interior Venetian blinds, curtains and drapes which make them more energy-efficient than modern windows;
    *exterior walls were often painted light colors to reflect the hot summer sun, resulting in cooler interior living spaces;Skylights, which maximise natural sunlight, were more common in older homes than they are today.
    and

    *windows were only installed where they could effectively allow for lighting and ventilation. Modern architecture, by contrast, relies on more windows than are necessary as a stylistic measure, with a reduced R-value as an unfortunate side effect.

Retrofit dangers to avoid in historic buildings:

   *avoid waterproofing old masonry. Waterproof coatings will trap moisture against the masonry, potentially causing deterioration during the freezing cycle;
    *damage to or removal of historic architectural elements. Replacing solid, historic materials or components, such as natural wood with substitutes made of plywood or plastics, have short lifespans under certain conditions;
    *exposing occupants to toxins, such as lead dust and asbestos. Older homes were built before much was known about the health effects of certain chemicals, some of which might become airborne during the retrofit process. Be sure to ask your InterNACHI inspector about concerns during your next inspection;
    *introducing materials that may damage existing components. Certain cellulose insulation uses ammonium or aluminum sulfate as a fire retardant, which may react with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid and damage metals (including plumbing and wiring), building stones, brick and wood; and
    *retrofits that violate rules imposed by committees overseeing historic districts. In some areas, even exterior paint color must be approved.
    *removing historic windows and other components, adding aluminum siding, or installing dropped ceilings in interior spaces.

Retrofits in Historic Buildings

The following retrofits are often used in historic buildings to make them more energy-efficient:

    Add insulation to crawlspaces. This feat may be significantly more cumbersome than adding attic insulation because crawlspaces are often excessively moist. If insulation is added to moist areas of the house, care should be taken to ventilate the area, perhaps with the assistance of an exhaust fan.
    Add weatherstripping to doors and windows. A common problem in historic buildings is leaky windows and doors, which can be mitigated by caulking open cracks and joints. Be sure to only use appropriate colors that do not interfere with the historic character of the house. Also, do not seal the building so much that moisture cannot escape the building.
    Add insulation to the attic. This process is often easier than adding insulation in other areas, such as in walls, and is hugely energy saving. The most common insulation materials include cellulose, mineral wool, fiberglass, and vermiculite.
    Add storm windows. Rather than removing historic windows, supplement them with storm windows that reduce thermal transmission and do not affect the historic character of the building. Storm windows can be painted if their colors are inappropriate. Care should be taken during installation to avoid damage to the historic window frames. Storm windows will be effective regardless of whether they are installed on the interior or exterior of the original frame, although this decision will have consequences; interior storm windows may cause the historic windows to become excessively cold, causing moisture to condense, resulting in peeling paint and deteriorated wood. If the storm windows are installed on the exterior, however, they may interfere with the building’s image.Shade trees lessen the need for air conditioning in summer
    Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. This change is a good idea in any home regardless of its age, but it is especially helpful in older homes because it disturbs none of the home's character.
    Replace old appliances. Old buildings often have old appliances, which should be replaced with Energy Star®-rated appliances.
    Add a shade tree. A tree can be an effective barrier against the sun during the summer months, and it increases the natural, historic appeal of an old house. A deciduous tree is best because it will lose its leaves in the winter and allow sunlight to enter the house when it is most needed. The tree should be placed at a safe distance from the house to avoid damage to the foundation and falling limbs during a windstorm.
    Install storm doors in cold climates, although they are often not cost-effective in warmer climates. Historic doors usually require little alteration, especially if they are solid wood and in good condition, or if they are critical to the historic appearance of the house.
    Vestibules are architectural features that reduce heat loss by creating an additional airspace while the exterior door is open. They are often not, however, cost-effective as an add-on due to their high price of installation. Also, they are not likely to mesh with the appearance of historic buildings.
    Replace windows. This should be done only when the historic windows are damaged to the point where repair is impractical. The new windows should be selected to match the style of the building. As mentioned earlier, the addition of storm windows is an effective, minimally invasive way to reduce utility costs.

In summary, historic homes possess qualities that make them inherently energy-efficient while simultaneously resistant to retrofits that would enhance energy savings. Homeowners should thus take care while altering their old homes, but also grateful for the hardwired efficiency they have inherited from previous generations.
 
Article submitted by Nick Gromicko and Rob London

Nick Gromicko, FOUNDER. http://www.nachi.org
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is the world's most elite, non-profit inspection association.
President, ComInspect, www.cominspect.com
Director, Master Inspector Certification Board, www.certifiedmasterinspector.org
Author, 15 books and Co-Host of  http://www.NACHI.TV

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How Often Should You Update Your Connecticut Homeowners Insurance Policy?

What?  You never knew that you should update your policy? You're not alone... most people don't know, but at least now YOU do. Let your friends know, too.

Whether you have owned your home for quite some time, you have recently purchased your home and  made some improvements, or are planning to purchase a home and do some immediate or short term renovations, it is important to remember to review your policy coverages every year, or after any renovation.

With a decline in home equity that the real estate market has brought upon us, some homeowners have no choice but to remodel rather than move.

"Buildfax"  is a company that maintains a national building database, which also includes permits, and their latest report said that remodeling activity reached a record high in July as consumers put more discretionary income into improving or renovating their homes.T

Residential remodeling activity registered the 21st straight month of year-over-year gains according to The BuildFax Remodeling Index (BFRI) for July. The report goes on to say that consumers are continuing to remodel rather than purchase new homes and do so amid concerns of a recession..  

The July index was up 24 percent from one year ago and, at 130.4 is the highest number since the index began in 2004.

 The index was up in all regions, including the Northeast, although our area fared much better percentage-wise.

At the same time that building materials sales were up, there are indications that homeowners have not increased their insurance to reflect the changes in value.

Buyers: Remember to contact your insurance company if you are planning to do renovations. Please don't wait for an "event" to happen to find out that you are under-insured for the replacement value of your home. Contact your insurance carrier today.

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Source: MorgageNewsDaily.com