So you've just purchased a home, and it's in need of some updates. Or maybe it's totally dated and needs a total redo. Do you tackle the renovation before moving in, or do you live in the house for a while first? There are advantages to each approach, but I generally recommend living in your new home for a while before embarking on a major remodel.
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you can avoid a remodel altogether by finding a home on the market that perfectly suits you, without requiring major renovations. The answer is: You should try!
If you can find that move-in-ready dream home that meets all your requirements without requiring any work, then go for it! Even if the home is a bit more expensive, you're likely to spend less money in the long run and have less stress in your life than if you buy a comparatively cheaper fixer with the goal of renovating it.
With the booming real estate market in Seattle, finding that unicorn home may not be always possible. Furthermore, if you prefer to live in a specific location, like in your child's current school district, the chances of finding a ready-to-go home are even slimmer.
It's worth investing some time going to open houses and combing listings to try to find "the one," but if you don't have any luck, just move on and make an offer on the home that comes closest.
You should always conduct your home search with an eye toward the complexity of any renovations required.
If you've searched extensively and have come to the conclusion that some remodeling is in your future, then try to focus your search on homes that require only cosmetic improvements rather than major structural ones.
You can always incorporate design details to add personality to your newly purchased home or do minor cosmetic upgrades to meet your specific set of visual requirements. Many cosmetic upgrades can be made fairly quickly and relatively inexpensively.
If, on the other hand, you buy a home that is going to require a structural redesign of any of the rooms, be prepared to spend significantly more. If your real estate agent makes comments when showing you homes like, "You could just take that wall down" or "You could add a private bath to the master bedroom," keep the cost in mind. These may be major remodeling projects.
The same goes for homes that you know are going to require an addition or that have significant structural issues, such as a damaged or inadequate foundation or major water damage. Steer clear if you can.
If you have an accepted offer on a home that is going to need some work, it's tempting to pick up the phone and start calling remodeling contractors.
This may actually be a good idea, just so you can get a handle on what lead times and prices to expect when it comes time to remodel. However, I wouldn't recommend actually starting a redesign and remodel of your home until you've had the chance to live in it for a while.
The remodeling process is best done after you and your family have lived in your newly purchased home for a while. This is the best way to develop a feel for the space and to gain a better understanding of all the necessary changes that need to be made. Many of our clients who are planning major remodels end up moving in first, before they've decided on the details of their remodeling goals.
The exception to Tip #2 above is if you are purchasing a home that is going to require a total gut renovation or major addition. In Seattle, this would likely occur if you are buying what could be considered a "tear-down" and have plans to expand it greatly to make full use of allowable square footage, possibly tearing down all but one wall so you can take advantage of grandfathered setbacks or the like.
In this scenario, it probably wouldn't make sense to move right in.
Generally, you can live in your home through most major remodels. (At CRD, we provide temporary kitchens and set up plastic barriers and powered HEPA ventilation systems so that homeowners can stay safe and relatively comfortable during the construction phase.) However, some remodeling projects are just too big for this.
In the case of second-story additions, lifting a home, or tearing down multiple exterior walls, you would need to move out. So if you are just purchasing the home, it might make sense not to move in, only to have to move out right away when work begins.
See also: Can I Stay in My Home During a Remodel?
See also: Remodel planning: Where to Start and the Order to Follow.
Home renovation is a huge undertaking for you and your family. If you are in the process of purchasing a home that needs work or have recently done so, please feel free to reach out us. We are happy to answer questions and try to help guide you through the process.
CRD specializes in design-build remodeling and has served Seattle for 40 years. To learn more about home renovation, you can contact us and meet with our experts about creating the home of your dreams in a cost-efficient and timely manner.