Should You Grab a Hammer or Call the Bulldozer?
Seattle is filled with glorious homes built during the last turn of the century. There are homes here dating back to the 1800′s, but most in the older neighborhoods of Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, University District, Capital Hill, The Central District, Madison Park and Ravenna are from the early 1900′s. There are many d
ifferent styles of homes depending on which decade they were built in, but none of them have the huge open floor plans of today’s new construction.
As a result, some of these older homes are being demolished to make way for larger suburban style homes. In some cases, the house was in such disrepair with mountains of deferred maintenance issues leading to bigger problems. In other cases, however, a remodel really could have done the job! Anytime you can leave the charm of the original construction intact while still making a house into a home that someone will love and really be able to live in, please do it! Seattle Architecture is a thing of beauty and what makes us so special!
There are lots of people you can call to give you some ideas. If you think the house really might be a scrape job, but you would rather try to save it, consult with a professional such as an engineer, architect, or inspector. It is important to find out whether or not you would be throwing away good money after bad on a house that is not sound. In most cases, you should be able to fix the house up with a remodel.
But What to Remodel? Where Do I Start?
An experienced Realtor can give you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your house in its current state as well as an idea of what it might be worth based on any possible improvements. A full service Realtor can also give you an idea as to which projects might give you more bang for your buck. Every one knows that kitchens and bathrooms really pack a bunch when you are looking at equity builders, but your house might be completely different! You might have an extra large lot that could be subdivided or a view you could take advantage of with an addition. The Realtor is the one that can really help you create your own vision!
I love remodeling! I have remodeled all of the houses I have owned or lived in and really enjoy being able to make something better than when I found it. It is sometimes stressful – especially if you are living in your home while you remodel it, but such a feeling of accomplishment at the end! On top of that , the money I have made from making simple changes is astounding. It doesn’t have to be huge. There are many levels of remodeling and one should start where they are comfortable starting!
Courtney Cooper – For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Associate Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County – Experienced and with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them!
