Interior Renovations, Kitchens & Bathrooms
Anyone who has lived through an interior renovation will know how challenging it is. We remind potential clients of the following:
- Interior renovations are costly. One of the reasons is that you never know what you will find. Make sure that you are committed to the house or are clear that you are renovating to sell.
- Most renovations require a building permit. Your local building department will be happy to advise you.
- Be wary if a contractor tries to convince you to have work done without permits, a budget, a contract or builders’ insurance. Our best contractors insist on the applicable approvals.
- “Eat your veggies before you have dessert” – that is, insulate and waterproof before you splurge on that kitchen counter.
- Educate yourself if you want to do it yourself. Never be tempted to do plumbing or electrical work and have someone experienced drop in and review what you have done. We have seen houses lose significant value because of structural mistakes and sometimes the damage can be irreparable.
- Despite the challenges, interior renovations can bring decades of enjoyment and absolutely be worth the cost and frustration.
Interior Renovation Project Review
A Photographer’s Renovation
Like so many Victorian houses, we needed to support double loadbearing brick at the 2nd floor to create a new 10’ opening between the dining room and the kitchen. We used steel angles and cut groves between brick on opposite sides of the wall. The steel columns needed to be supported on a rubble stone foundation, and that required steel plate engineering. One of the columns landed above a basement door in the rubble and required a small steel beam for support. But as always, it was worth it. So when you look at photos of the finished interior, there is some interesting structure behind.
Young Couple’s First Home Renovation
How do you even begin to build equity if you belong to the generation who has to climb the property ladder in a world with astronomical housing prices? One of the best ways is to hunker down and spend every free moment for almost a year to remove cat urine damaged flooring and baseboards, gut walls and ceilings and insulate, have asbestos tile abated, learn to frame new basement stairs, install steel angles and remove brick below, assemble IKEA kitchen cabinets, hang drywall, and install flooring , tile and new baseboards. And all of this with a new puppy in tow.
thinkGiraffe obtained a building permit for the structural and plumbing changes and the new lighting electrical outlets were ESA inspected. A certified plumber and electrician completed the work beyond the do-it-yourself scope.
Circa 1830 Century Home
The thinkGiraffe Design Inc new home gallery features many modern homes, and we welcome the unlimited scope to be creative and think outside the box. But we are equally motivated to work with homeowners who love old houses and will go to great lengths to restore the past. Always attempt to insulate insulate insulate and waterproof. Check basement drainage and if possible, install new weeping tile. Never spray foam stone, brick or concrete directly, even if the installer tells you it acceptable. Make sure the electrical is safe and that there are no plumbing sections done in lead. Install a sump pump if you can. Be careful that you do not expose lead paint, asbestos and mold and have it professionally abated. Still up for a century home? We are!
Kitchens & Bathrooms
The range in budgets for kitchen and bathroom renovations is vast but we support any level of change you plan since the long-term enjoyment is significant. New or updated kitchens and bathrooms are a worthwhile investment in home equity.