https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:38:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-renovated-a-house#post-547692 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:29:30 +0000 eeh 547692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My dad is a general contractor so I grow up in a constant construction zone. When my parents bought the house it was completely gutted down to the studs and had no roof. They quickly completed the main floor so we could live there then worked on the upper level over time when my sister and I were old enough to need separate rooms. Once that was complete they went back and did the main level how they wanted to.</p> <p>My husband and I bought our current house knowing it needs pretty significant remodeling (removing walls, gutting kitchen and bath, new flooring, etc.). It's absolutely live-able, just needs updating to meet our needs/wishes.</p> <p>So...that being said, my warning is that remodeling is worth it but only if you can handle the stress of dealing with it. Living without a kitchen isn't fun by any stretch of the imagination. Things will likely cost twice as much and take twice as long as what you initially plan for so make sure you budget that accordingly. My opinion is that it's worth it to hire someone to do big projects that effect the value of your home because it's far too risky to do it yourself and ruin it's value. Also, make sure you pull all necessary permits and follow code for your city/county. Not meeting those regulations opens you up to a boatload of fines and can be you're SOL should a disaster like a fire or tornado happen and your insurance company finds out you didn't pull permits. I've seen it happen. </p> <p>I'm not trying to scare you out buying this home by any means. Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Oh, also...sit down and have a talk with your husband so you know you're on the same page. Is he anticipating the work will be done within 5 years when you want it done within 2? You need to be on the same page regarding timeframe and budget and order in which the projects will be done. He might think the bathroom should be top priority when you think it should be the kitchen. Make a list of EVERYTHING that needs done and decided the order in which it will be done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-renovated-a-house#post-547653 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:02:40 +0000 Mrs. Sunglasses 547653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not really. But we've learned on our own how to do minor things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-renovated-a-house#post-547570 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 20:17:21 +0000 Bao 547570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are buying a house that is from 1940 and needs some updating. The foundation is excellent and there is no mold, termites etc. I am a little nervous because there is a lot to be done, but I think it will be worth it in the end, and it can all be done in time. Good luck! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-renovated-a-house#post-547541 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 19:52:47 +0000 jetsettermomma 547541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our home was a fixer upper originally built in 1987. We did a lot of the cosmetic work ourselves (painting, floors, lighting, etc.) but had to hire professionals to get the roof re-done and to replace some of our siding. We still have a lot to work on - the kitchen and bathrooms. My SO is an electrician so he's pretty handy. Just be cautious about potential money pits.. especially mold issues or foundation issues. If you can make it work it is so worth it!! Good luck!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-renovated-a-house#post-547525 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 19:42:33 +0000 matador84 547525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are looking to buy a home built in 1958. It's I'm good condition just needs major updating and it's only a 2/2. It's listed at 145k and just under 2000 sq feet which is a steal here. We just wonder if we buy would we be biting off more than we can chew. </p>