Help in remodelling first home?

Question

My wife and I are interesting in purchasing our first home. Its a typical first "starter" home that needs to be updated (built in the 50's and kind of left then).

There is the washer and dryer in the kitchen, which we aren't big on. What's involved in moving the pair into the basement, which is directly under the kitchen?

The cabinets are outdated and need to be changed out. The old tiles are 12 x 12 in the kitchen and our agent said that they might be asbestos...can we put laminate over these without worrying about getting asbestos released??

Thanks!

If you all have any additional thoughts on redoing our first home, please feel free to let us know.

~Matt

Answer 1

Moving the washer dryer won't be a horrible job but what you need depends on what you have. You'll need water presumably hot and cold unless your washer heats the water or you have one that only uses cold water. You'll may also need electrical depending on if you need a 220 line (I assume you already have 110 in the basement). You'll also need access to a drain line for the washer and a vent line for the dryer. If you have a gas dryer you'll obviously need gas. You'll just have to take a look around and see if there is a good spot and what access you have. The good thing it's a basement so tapping into existing electrical and plumbing will be a little easier.

As for the asbestos tile, if you are installing a floating laminate floor I would recommend that you DO NOT remove them from your home unless you are 100% concerned about having them there. If they are in good shape and not falling apart or flaking, just put your laminate floor over the top of them. Asbestos is only dangerous when it is released into the air as small particles or dust. Removal of asbestos is is not something you can reasonably and safely do as a home project. If you do want to remove them, you will need to hire someone to do it. If you're thinking about it, get an estimate...it may not be that bad.

Congratulations on your new home. My wife and I love doing projects together and I think we're addicted to remodeleing our home. We always try to just take our time, stick to one thing at a time and do as much homework as possible.

Answer 2

When getting estimates on any work, always get 3. If they are close pick the middle one. If they are way far apart, get 3 more. The lowest price is possibly underestimated - which translates to poor workman ship because they have to make up the money somewhere. If the top two are close is won't matter. Pick the person you liked the best. :)

The washer and dryer should be a fairly simple job provided the washer can be located underneath the sink.

For asbestos you need a contractor that specializes in the removal of. You could go ahead and get some ball park figures before you purchase the house. That way you will at least have an idea of what your output will be. I would have it removed - especially if you are planning on having children.

As for the cabinets - you may want to strip them and add new hardware for an easy solution if they are in good shape. Some of those older cabinets were made very well and are solid wood. If they are serviceable and are located where you need them, then this is a lot less expensive than replacing them all.

The most important thing is to enjoy the remolding process. Do not allow it to overwhelm or consume you. And the person that suggested you do your bedroom first was right. you need one spot you can completely relax in.

Hope this helps. :)

Answer 3

Washer and dryer should be easy enough. Ask a plumber to come in and give you a estimate or have a handy friend come over and give you some suggestions. If the hookups are available there shouldn't be a problem.

Remove the tiles. It's not a good idea to leave asbestos in your home anywhere. You can get new cabinets from Home Depot to either install yourself of have them come in and do it yourself.

As far as the stress as new homeowners go. From my experience, ONE room at a time. Make sure your bedroom is first. You need to be able to sleep somewhere comfy and stress free.

Congratulations!

Answer 4

You need to have a home inspector come for sure. Don't leave the asbestos anywhere in the house. I'd try to get a lower price if all of that work needs to be done and asbestos. Putting the washer/dryer in the basement isn't very costly.

Answer 5

First and foremost before considering anything else, You need get that floor tested for Asbestos. If Asbestos is showing a positive result, this needs to be your first and foremost concern on getting a team of trained professionals to remove the material. Asbestos removal is nothing pretty or cheap. You should be able to find a certified Asbestos removal contractor in your area, and make sure you check out all of the companies/contractors credentials.

The Department of Environmental Quality handles the proper licensing for all states. in Asbestos abatement. Like any project you decide to take on make sure you educate your self in it there are some basic online blogs that I'll link in sources to help your educational process on asbestos and home remodeling.

One thing which is constant throughout anything in life, Quality is not cheap. Just because someone is the lowest doesn't mean they're the best, especially in construction. Always pick someone you are comfortable over someone who is the cheapest. That is why you do your research whether it be via Angie's list where other customers have left feed back, or a basic search engine result from the company. name. During your remodeling process you are going to see your General Contractor just about every day and a good GC will always communicate with you, but you have to communicate with him and gather as much information as you can during your remodeling process. You have to live with the final result the General contractor doesn't, it is very important you don't settle. This is your home even if it is a starter home. The two biggest selling points of a house is the kitchen and master bathroom, those are your focal points.

If you are looking to sell the home in the next 5-10 years and you dont want to put all that much money into the kitchen, Resurfacing the cabinets (after you have tested for asbestos and have it disposed of properly) and changing out the hardware is extremely cost effective. and you can allocate the money to some nice counter tops and newer appliances.

Moving your washer and dry to the basement frees up a lot of space and going with lighter colors in the kitchen opens it up. Relocating the clunky appliances shouldn't be a problem if you have the water heater in the basement its just a matter of running H&C lines for the washer and since the home is older i'm willing to put money on the hot water heater along with most of the heating appliances being gas.

Last but not least your Master Bathroom, this is where your wife will be spending most of her time, and why the master bath is one of the key selling points to any home, making a space that is comfortable for both you and her is something you want to strive for. from as simple as redoing the flooring and shower with sinks and vanities, to taking space from another room to increase its size, it all depends on your budget, and the never forget the old saying happy wife happy life :D.

Something that will also save you money in the long run, Even though it is not an aesthetic feature but something that should never be looked over, is a proper and efficient heating and cooling system (Central AC) along with the proper insulation (which can be improved while you're remodeling the kitchen and master bathroom) and blown in in the attic will save you money down the road and is always a positive for a new prospective buyer. When it comes to AC's there is a lot to consider and a lot to get confused on. But in the long run treading through the unknown and enlightening your self will only make you more knowledgeable for your next home search when your family expands! what type of system if any does the home currently have? Does it have at the minimum the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER Rating). the home is older. What type of Heating do you have? is it worth it to upgrade everything to a central AC/Heating? or update the current one if its older than 10 years.

In answer to the last two questions They are both yes. The higher the seer rating your central AC/Heating has the more efficient it is at cooling or heating your home and the less over all energy usage and the more money you save in the long run while adding value to your home. This is something (In my honest opinion) that should be looked into before moving appliances around and doing major remodeling, but only after you have had the results back from the asbestos tests, and/or the proper abatement and removal if needed. The system doesn't have to be the fanciest, but it would be more efficient if the current one is outdated. There are a lot of useful blogs and information on Central AC systems to help educate you on what you should be looking into.

Scott M White
Remodeling and Construction Consultant.

Answer 6

For the washer and dryer -- first you need to make sure that water can easily drain from your basement to the sewer line. Some basements are too low.

To install a washing machine down there, you would need to run hot and cold water to the machine, and you would have to hook it up to the sewer pipe to drain. The washing machine plugs into a normal electrical outlet.

An electric dryer would need a hefty 120/240 receptacle http://www.cornerhardware.com/howto/ht052.html It needs to be on its own circuit with a powerful breaker or fuse. Plus you need to vent the exhaust outside.

If you want a gas dryer, you also have to run a gas supply to the dryer. A Gas dryer only needs a normal 120 outlet.

Answer 7

you could learn from those, nevertheless i locate distinctive the remodelling exhibits coach you just about no longer something approximately a thank you to actual do something. there isn't any replace for basically doing it. start up small, don't be in a hurry to get performed, don't be too formidable, purchase or lease the wonderful equipment, get suggestion from absolutely everyone who will stand nonetheless lengthy adequate to offer it to you. a number of the vast container shops have classes. in case you have any acquaintances who're attainable, ask to help with their next undertaking. whilst that's actual that many human beings basically ever do the comparable undertaking as quickly as which makes it extra good to get fairly solid at something, you will locate there's a crossover of wisdom. The extra you do, the extra you come across you could take issues you have discovered and word them to the subsequent element. I nonetheless submit to in recommendations how solid it felt once I executed the 1st undertaking which went basically like I deliberate it.

Answer 8

Congrats have fun with it here ya go!