Tips for Planning a Successful House Remodel

When planning a house remodel, it can be tempting to skip to the exciting stage of choosing new paint colors, fixtures, and fittings, but in order for any renovation to go smoothly, there are several things to think about before you even begin.

Know Your End Goal

Before you decide how extensively to renovate, you need to know what your end goal is for your home. Are you renovating to raise the resale value of your home, or will you be staying put for years to come? Consider the condition of your neighborhood before you begin, and know which renovations are a good return on investment, and which will be considered overdoing it for the area. Having a specific plan in place for your future will help you decide how deep to go with your project.

Have a Budget

Knowing your budget—and sticking to it—is one of the most important parts of renovation planning. Remember to add in a contingency fund for any unexpected costs—and expect to use it—as well as incidental costs like the cost of eating out for a kitchen reno, or even taking a hotel for a night or two. It can be easy to want a top-of-the-line renovation, but perhaps all you need are some cheap upgrades that will make your house look more expensive. Do your research and plan your budget before ever lifting a hammer.

Consult the Calendar

If you’re hoping for a brand new home for a particular event or holiday, make sure you look at your end date and work your way backward. Be sure to pencil in a few weeks to a month in the end for wiggle room in case there are delays on the way to avoid disappointment. 

Debuty Builers, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Things to Consider During Your Remodel

“Most clients don’t want to hear those words,” says Paul Irwin, design director with Landis Construction, in the Washington, D.C., area, “but it really needs to be considered on major remodels. “In one case, for example, plans for a 1,300-square-foot addition revealed that the house’s existing foundation wasn’t up to code and would have to be replaced—a $30,000 proposition.

After crunching the numbers, the owners concluded that it would cost as much to update the house, a former summer cottage, as it would reproduce it new. “For a relatively small additional cost,” says the owner, “we get all the benefits of new construction while preserving the character and feel of our old house.”

Do Your Own Demo

Knocking down your home down may not be as costly as rebuilding, you can still shave dollars by doing some of the demolition yourself—as long as you proceed with care.

“If a homeowner wants to demo a deck, well, I am sure they can handle that,” says Michael Winn, owner of Winn Design, in Virginia. “But when it comes to interior spaces, I would dissuade them from doing it unless they have done it before.”

The reason: A reckless wrecker might unwittingly take out a load-bearing wall or, worse still, plunge a reciprocating saw into live wiring or pressurized plumbing.

• Cost to demo a 200-square-foot deck yourself: $450 (Dumpster rental and parking permit)
• Cost for a pro: $1,000
• Saved: $550

Consider Long-Term Costs, Not Just Short-Term Gains

If your addition calls for clapboard siding, for instance, you can save more in the long run by ponying up now for the preprimed and prepainted variety. It costs an extra 10 to 20 cents per foot, but “you’ll wind up paying for half as many paint jobs down the road,” says Paul Eldrenkamp, owner of Byggmeister, a design-build remodeling firm in Newton, Massachusetts.

The reason? Factory finishes are applied on dry wood under controlled conditions—no rain, no harsh sun. “I used prefinished claps on my house about ten years ago and the only flaw in the finish is the occasional mildew spot, easily washed off,” Eldrenkamp says. “The paint looks as if it’ll be good for another ten years, easily.”

• Cost of unfinished siding for a 10-by-40-foot addition, plus two paint jobs: $5,000
• Cost for pre-finished claps and one coat of paint at installation: $3,750
• Saved: $1,250

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Remodel or Build Your Home

“Most clients don’t want to hear those words,” says Paul Irwin, design director with Landis Construction, in the Washington, D.C., area, “but it really needs to be considered on major remodels. “In one case, for example, plans for a 1,300-square-foot addition revealed that the house’s existing foundation wasn’t up to code and would have to be replaced—a $30,000 proposition.

After crunching the numbers, the owners concluded that it would cost as much to update the house, a former summer cottage, as it would reproduce it new. “For a relatively small additional cost,” says the owner, “we get all the benefits of new construction while preserving the character and feel of our old house.”

Hit the Recycling Center

Do-it-yourselfers can reap big savings with recycled or lightly used fixtures and building materials. Habitat for Humanity operates about 400 ReStores nationwide, which offer salvaged materials at half off home-center prices.

One caveat: Many contractors won’t work with salvaged items, or homeowner-supplied materials in general, because they don’t want to assume the liability if something goes wrong.

That said, if you’re doing your own work, you can find anything from prehung doors to acrylic skylights to partial bundles of insulation. (To find a ReStore near you, visit habitat.org.)

• Price of 4-by-5-foot insulated window in a home center: $600
• Price at ReStore: $300
• Saved: $300

Donate your Trash

Before you begin a remodeling job, invite the local Habitat for Humanity chapter to remove materials and fixtures for later resale. “About 85 percent of a house is reusable,” says B.J. Perkins, Habitat’s ReUse program manager, in Austin, Texas. “We can do a total takedown, or do a cherry-pick job and take the cabinets, the tub, the sink, and so on.”

You save space in the landfill, collect a charitable tax credit for the donation, and help a good cause. Visit Habitat to find an affiliate near you.

• Cost to trash a suite of bathroom fixtures: $50 to $75
• Cost to donate: Nothing, plus you get a tax deduction
• Saved: Space in the landfill (and a little bit of your soul)

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating. This means that we have chosen to be accountable. We continue to demonstrate good faith in our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Home Remodeling Tips

When planning a house remodel, it can be tempting to skip to the exciting stage of choosing new paint colors, fixtures, and fittings, but in order for any renovation to go smoothly, there are several things to think about before you even begin.

Do Your Research

Take the time to chat with friends, family, and neighbors about the renovation work they have done, and the challenges they have faced during the process. Having a wealth of information from homeowners who have been in your shoes can be invaluable in the planning process, and this information may alter your end plan. Check out our 17 Smarter Renovation and Home Improvement Tips to get started.

Know Your Limits

DIY renos are a great way to save money, have a sense of accomplishment, and involve the entire family, but they can turn disastrous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Know which tasks you can safely tackle, and which should be handled like the pros, like a potentially load-bearing wall, asbestos or lead paint. If you’re feeling unsure, here’s how to find a good contractor to help.

Ask for References

Cut Costs on Your House Remodel

“Most clients don’t want to hear those words,” says Paul Irwin, design director with Landis Construction, in the Washington, D.C., area, “but it really needs to be considered on major remodels. “In one case, for example, plans for a 1,300-square-foot addition revealed that the house’s existing foundation wasn’t up to code and would have to be replaced—a $30,000 proposition.

After crunching the numbers, the owners concluded that it would cost as much to update the house, a former summer cottage, as it would reproduce it new. “For a relatively small additional cost,” says the owner, “we get all the benefits of new construction while preserving the character and feel of our old house.”

Increase Efficiency, Not Size

If you can reorganize and equip your kitchen for maximum utility, you may not need to blow out the walls to gain square footage. Start by replacing space-hogging shelves with cabinet-height pullout drawers 8 inches wide, containing racks for canned goods and other items.

“You’re getting three or more horizontal planes where you might otherwise get only one,” says Louis Smith Jr., an architect with Meier Group, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

You could easily shell out a few thousand to outfit cabinets with upgrades like dividers, pull-out pot trays, and lazy Susans, but you’ll save many times that amount by skipping the addition you thought you needed.

• Cost to expand kitchen by 200 square feet: $48,000 to $95,000
• Cost of super-efficient, custom-designed cabinets: $35,000
• Saved: Up to $60,000

Bring in Natural Light Without Adding Windows

Before cutting a big hole in the side of your house and rearranging the framing, consider less invasive—and less expensive—ways of capturing light.

To brighten up a windowless bath or hallway, for instance, you can install a “light tube,” which slips between roof rafters and funnels sunshine down into the living space.

• Cost to add a double-pane insulated window: $1,500
• Cost for a light tube: $500
• Saved: $1,000

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

Are you renovating your home? Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure you do it right the first time. Home projects can take a big bite out of your budget and your time if they’re not done properly. Here are some of the most common home renovations mistakes to avoid:

Neglecting curb appeal

Landscaping is the first thing you, your guests or even potential buyers see when they arrive. And it can often set an expectation of what your home looks like inside. Sprucing up the yard, even on a budget, can have an instant and positive effect on how you and others view your home.

Overbuilding

Your finished home remodel should complement your neighborhood. Homes that are significantly different from neighboring homes can look awkward and may not offer the return on investment that you were anticipating.

Unrealistic expectations

Remodeling can be messy, noisy and inconvenient even in the best circumstances. Do some research before you begin work so you can better understand what to expect before, during and after your home renovation.

Spring or summer might seem like the perfect time for a major interior remodeling job, but consider the winter, when interior remodeling contractors are often not so busy.

As a result of having free time, contractors will be more inclined to negotiate. If you time your project right, you can really save on home renovation costs. Don’t forget to ask for at least 3 estimates, as well.

Working without a permit

If you have a contractor, he or she will likely get any necessary building permits. However, to make sure there are no issues later, you should check with your county or local municipal building department to determine whether a permit is needed for your specific project. Unpermitted projects are often torn down. If you ever sell your home, the resale value or the actual sale itself may be affected.

Underestimating the safety risks

Neglecting your own safety will not only impede your project, but it can also cause you serious physical harm. Always wear protective clothing such as work boots, safety goggles, hearing protection and gloves when working. Keep a first aid kit handy.

Make sure to consider these home renovation tips prior to renovating your home. There are many things to consider when renovating or adding on to your home, and these changes can often necessitate some adjustments to your homeowners insurance policy.

Debuty Builders

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Tips for New Home Construction

You’re going to build your dream home and you’ve thought it all through – or have you? You know exactly what you need and want to have in your home, but have you thought about what you don’t want and what you don’t need? Have you thought the whole thing through? You have given much thought and consideration to what will work for you, but have you taken the time to think about what won’t work?

Poor planning and budgets that are too small can lead way to some inconvenient and disastrous mistakes. When you plan on building a new home, you must look at the home from many angles. You must consider your current and future lifestyles. You need to take family planning into consideration – Will your family be expanding? Or will your children be leaving the nest?  Do you entertain often and host overnight guests regularly? Take your time and do your research both online and in person. Be sure to take the time to meet with professionals in the industry. Poor design choices can make your home not only uncomfortable but downright unhealthy. Debuty Builders is here to help you through the process!

Placement of the Kitchen

The kitchen should be placed, preferably, near a garage or back entrance, as well as near the dining and living areas. The kitchen tends to get a lot of traffic and it would therefore be best to divert the foot traffic from constantly traipsing through the main living areas.

Placement of the Laundry Room

We have seen laundry rooms in the basement, and off the mud room far away from all the bedrooms. Neither was ideal. Placement of the laundry room, or washer and dryer, should be relatively close to the bedrooms. 

Placement of the Bedroom

The bedroom needs to be as far away from the noise and traffic as possible. The master bedroom should not be near or above the garage if members of your family are likely to be coming and going while you are asleep or resting. It would be advisable to keep the master bedroom away from the central living areas as well. If your home is to be on one level, the master bedroom should ideally be at the far end of the house, the end furthest away from the garage. The master bedroom, ideally, should not share a wall with the central living area.

Placement of the Garage

It is preferable to the garage on the main level, near a mud room and kitchen. 

Debuty Builders, Inc

As an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) we carry an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable, and we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community through our business relationships and our operations. As an Energy Star Partner, Debuty Builders, Inc. is committed to responsible construction practices by installing sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Debuty Building New Homes in Maryville

Debuty Builders is one of the top new home builders, and Debuty is building new homes in Maryville, Tn! Our company was born from a desire to create a company that would never settle for average or being just “good enough”. We have thoughtfully envisioned the kinds of homes we’d create and worked with the best the industry has to offer.

Authentic Architectural Design & Quality Craftsmanship

At Debuty we are committed to authentic architectural design and quality craftsmanship. Notice the difference as you walk through our homes. Also, you will experience it in the quality workmanship and details inside and out. You’ll see that we’ve paired floorplans that cater to today’s lifestyles on the inside while retaining the look of a simpler time on the outside. You’ll see our commitment to vision and detail when you visit our homes and you’ll live our commitment to quality when you live in our homes.

New Home Builders With a Commitment to Excellence

We’ve researched the best floor plans and building materials for East Tennessee. Historically, craftsmen built with pattern books and hand tools. Today we use modern tools and detailed drawings, but the same commitment to excellence that existed back then lives with us today.  At Debuty we don’t allow “the times” the affect our workmanship. We deliver the quality of yesterday today!

Debuty Builders Incorporated in Maryville, TN excels in both residential and commercial services.  Though our services are varied, they all come with the same promise of quality, dedication, and durability. As licensed and insured builders, we are an experienced contractor with knowledge passed down from generations.

Call us today to set up a free estimate to build your dream home!