My husband and I have a bought a large old full 2 story house. It needs to be gutted and mostly redone. We plan to renovate the main floor first so that we can move in by Oct 1st and finish the basement and upper floor as we live there. This house needs new roof, new plumbing, new elecric, it is having some walls knocked down and replaced with beams, needs the walls insulated, new walls put up, change windows, it also has no kitchen and no bathrrom. Plus it needs all the lath and plaster knocked out. We can do any of these things ourselves but need to hire out alot of the work to have it done in time. What things should we do and which should we hire out to save the most money?
2007-08-30 08:08:10 · 8 answers · asked by Vanessa 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
It is 90 yrs old, w 9 yr old basement. It has bathrooms but are in such bad sha[pe have to be completely redone, no plumbing to them either so they are being moved elseware in the home. I dont know where the heck the kitchen was or why there isn't one anymore but there is none. The house was moved onto this new basement 9 yrs ago and left this way since. It will be valuable once done. We have renters for our house for Oct 1st, we need the rent coming in to afford to do this one!
2007-08-30 09:43:16 · update #1
I'm not a contractor, but have done several renovations, remodels, and built a couple homes. I've found most of it practical to do myself, but I agree about electrical and some plumbing. As well, I highly reccommend having professionals do any tape and texture work on ceilings and walls after you hang the drywall. These guys are truly amazing, and faster than you will ever be. It's almost magic what they can do, and absolutely money well spent.
2007-08-30 08:43:33 · answer #1 · answered by 107Dan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With all due respect SAVING might not ever happen. You've taken on an extremely daunting task; though I'll assume there is likely value in the property and location itself.
I'd begin with the roof; once I determined that the structure itself is sound. Obviously at the same time you'll probably have to involve agencies that govern zoning/codes/permits, and hire out to local/licensed electrical/plumbing contractors.
Once those issues have been resolved; the aesthetics and cosmetics are labor and cost to you at your own pace/tolerance levels/acceptance and compromises.
Without knowing the structure and it's qualities/ age/ possibilities,,,hopefully you do, and perhaps a designer or architect involved in any major tear out and remodeling progression.
Might this house be in a historical district? If so that will also have to be addressed.
I notice you state "Have it done in time" Is that a critical issue; moving in by 10/1? You're talking about 30 days to work miracles. Certainly you can choose to occupy once the major issues have been resolved, and no safety issues remain; but to rush a project like this, as a DIY, isn't something I'd suggest. I'm also a bit confused in that you state no bathroom or kitchen. I can understand that a home 100 years old might not have indoor plumbing; but Kitchens in one form or another are thousands of years old.
Steven Wolf
2007-08-30 16:31:29 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it needs a new roof, hire that our first, you don't want to be up on a two story roof unless you have the proper fall protection. Also, you should so that first so you don't have water damage on your new work. Electrical and plumbing are obvious choices to hire out unless you have the experiance to do it yourself. Replacing walls with beams can be tricky, a structural engineer should be consulted to make sure all loads are accounted for and attachments are strong enough. Cabinetry is usually subbed out or purchaced from a home center (they can design for you as well).
Do the demo yourself, however, you should have the house checked for asbestos and lead first so you know what you are getting into (I am sure that an old house like that has both in abundence). Interior demo should be done before you have any of your contractors in as it will take away any guesswork from your sub-contractors.
This is a daunting task you are about to take on, even with sub-contractors, your schedule will be tight. Hire out as much as possible to get your first floor done, and keep on top of your contractors. You can learn alot from them, and the other parts of the house you may be able to do yourself after you move in.
2007-08-30 15:38:43 · answer #3 · answered by diver0604 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get the building structure stabilized and covered with a good roof. Once that is done, you should be able to do a lot of the demo work. Once you have the interior gutted, get it wired and plumbed by a pro. You can then go back to work on sheetrock, flooring, etc.
2007-08-30 16:23:56 · answer #4 · answered by united9198 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plumbing and Electrical are best left to profesionals!!
The rest with time anyone can do.
2007-08-30 15:21:16 · answer #5 · answered by mdlbldrmatt135 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Three things you shouldn't do,roofing, plumbing and electrical.
2007-08-30 16:33:12 · answer #6 · answered by petethen2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to your local lumber yard.Ask them about a reliable semiretired contractor to help as a project manager.He will be Abel to walk you through the remodel and help with subs and what you can do.
2007-08-30 22:42:51 · answer #7 · answered by grandpa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need a roof. You don't want to do a roofing job yourself.
2007-08-30 15:40:09 · answer #8 · answered by Polyhistor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋