Herlong Architects

The word “renovation” can make even the strongest homeowner shudder. It most likely means living amidst some construction chaos for a bit. But if you love your charmed-filled home or its picturesque location, giving it a facelift to meet your lifestyle needs may very well be worth some headaches.

 

We often see people wanting to renovate for two main reasons:

1. They have a historic home and it’s important to take care of the house, preserving its character and history.
2. They need more space. Maybe they love their current home’s location, but the closets are overflowing and the guest room is more “storage” less “guest.”  

One option is building an addition to your home. Take a look at your property and figure out if it’s large enough to accommodate another room or two added to the back or side. If you don’t have a great deal of property, the only way to build is up. Building codes, particularly in terms of high wind regulations, can sometimes thwart plans for a second or third floor.

 

Fortunately, that’s where we architects come in handy. We can translate the building codes and construction jargon to reach a workable solution.

 

Another consideration is whether your home’s basic systems can handle the added square footage. We advise clients to evaluate their electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems early in the process. You may need to build in money for repairs or system upgrades.

 

Just as in building a new home, completing a renovation project requires plenty of decision-making. Be sure to check back as we explore additional considerations for your renovation project. And, if you’re looking for inspiration, view before and after photos of some of our renovation projects. 

 

Have a renovation story to tell? Post a comment and share your experiences.

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