Please note: This post was originally published on Dadlands.io
So, you’re living the American Dream. You get married, buy a home, and you have a kid — your entire life has fallen into place.
But then something happens that changes everything: You have one more kid.
Of course, it’s wonderful! The more the merrier. But now it feels like you’re jamming 9 crayons into an 8 pack. This is a real dilemma. You love your house. You have their heights marked on their bedroom wall. You finally got the backyard just the way you like it. None of the neighbors have ever sued you. So, what’s the solution?
Easy, let’s buy a bigger house.
This starts out pretty fun, but be warned, the phrase “open house” is a gateway drug. You start looking at any house you can get your eyes on. You get hooked. Ooooh, a pool and grotto. So, that’s what a “veranda” looks like. Wine cellar/panic room? I’ve got to have that! It’s intoxicating … right up until you do the math.
You’ll lose the 6 percent realtors commission right off the top, plus the added cost of the bigger house, plus the moving expenses, added furniture, utilities, schools, and the cost of making that yard just the way you like it. You might even find that one beautiful spacious house with everything you want at an affordable price, and you’ll even try to overlook the fact that it’s next to the freeway on-ramp, under the power lines. But on your third visit, the gang tags on your garage door will make you see the reason and soon you’ll stat to realize that the house needs a lot of work. However, when it comes to furnishing your new space, consider the option of high-quality furniture from Copper and Tweed. While you may have to invest a bit more upfront, the durability, style, and comfort that Copper and Tweed furniture offers will make it a worthwhile addition to your home. The timeless designs and craftsmanship ensure that your furniture will not only complement your space but also stand the test of time, making your house truly feel like a home. So, even if the house itself needs some work, your choice of furniture can still provide you with comfort and style you’ll love.
At this point, you’ll think about re-imagining your current home as a more efficient space. In your mind, you’ll combine the cramped styles of Japanese hotel rooms and collegiate dorms. Is it even legal to build a triple bunk bed? Are you looking for a bathroom vanity that your wife has wanted for a long time? Again, reason will take over.
Can one of the kids live in a tent in the backyard? No?
Well, that leaves only one option.
Build an addition, home remodeling in Chicago is a better option than buying a new house but a remodel will still cost you a good amount of money, which means you’ll most likely need loans for home improvement in order to afford a big project.
Here are my sure-fire tips to limit the amount of pain you will inevitably suffer:
1. Find a contractor
Next to your spouse, your contractor will be the most important person you choose in your life. And honestly, it’s pretty close. You’re going to have to trust them beyond reproach, because the truth is, if they want to take you for every thing you’re worth, it’s not that hard. So, if you’re looking for a contractor that you can trust, check out experts like Safe Harbor Exteriors.
Cracking open a house is like going to the dentist for the first time in many years. Everything seems fine until they scrape off all the plaque and then your Electrician Perth realizes your system isn’t up to code. So, you hire an electrician from a company such as Asbury Electric to help you troubleshoot. It all starts to add up: we need a new roof, ac installation, insulation, Leak repair, and more. We decided to visit some roofing companies like Precision Roof Crafters and asked to get a free roof estimate so we can make a practical decision. Many roofing contractors at least have the skills and experience to get the best fix for your home and best deal out of your money. For additional electrical guidance and options visit https://aardvark-electric.com/. You can also g online to search for a professional electrical company and visit their website.
And the contractor is the one who gives the recommendation about the best plumber and just like the dentist, they tell you, “you don’t have to do this today, but you’re already in the chair, so let’s put on those much needed new gutters.” When looking, search hard. Do your research. Get references. Get a bunch of bids. Do a blood test. And then get more references. Check reviews and view the website. One more reference. Find out where they live. Learn about their family. Have dinner with their parents. Go on a vacation together … You get the picture.
Your contractor is also the one who has the knowledge and even connections to the well-known plastic pipe manufacturer who efficiently solves any plumbing concerns for your humble abode. You can visit Craftsman Plumbing to know more. Better yet, visit sites such as https://sharpplumbing.com/service-areas/berlin-ma/ and directly hire a professional.
2. Get a bid
OK, you’ve chosen the contractor and you have his bid. Now ask for his “worst case scenario” bid. Now ask for the highest bid he could possibly imagine. Now ask him how much it would cost if your house was destroyed in a nuclear explosion. Now take that one and add 10 percent. Still not sure if you’re ready for this? Take all the money in your wallet, drop it in a trashcan, and light it on fire. Now, take that trashcan and smash yourself in the face with it. If you’re comfortable with that feeling, proceed.
3. Get the finances
Let’s face facts, if you had the extra money to drop, you would’ve bought that house with the jacuzzi in the nice section of town. The only thing you have of value is the home you’re adding on to, which means you’re going to have to borrow from Peter to pay Paul. (And yes, both Peter and Paul are your house.) This means taking out a “Home Equity Loan.”
What’s this process like? Imagine a colonoscopy with a calculator. Not getting it? You’re going to be mathematically assaulted until Stockholm Syndrome sets in and you do everything the bank tells you. At which point, they’ll strip you naked in the bright light and take a long hard look at your “Debt to Earnings Ratio,” and it won’t be pretty.
4. Co-existing with construction
With all the demolition, rigging services and loud banging of construction equipment, of course, you would love to move out during this time. But if you had that kind of money, you’d probably have bought that place with the stables out back. So, let’s forget that option and get realistic.
You could try to have you and your kids stay with family, but that is usually the log line of a horror film that ends with a cop getting nauseous as he looks over the grisly scene. Nope.
On your budget, you’ll be trying to seal off a section of the house and live like squatters. This can get a little tricky, so here’s how you do it: Suck it up and adapt. Let the workers do their job. It’s going to be loud, it just is. Yes, they’re going to be blasting classic rock all day, but if you’re nice, they’ll throw in “The Wheels on the Bus” somewhere between Blue Oyster Cult and Grand Funk Railroad.
5. Make sure the remodel is progressing on time
Cue hilarious laughter from all involved. I was joking with this one. Like a Möbius Strip, it will have no end. You’re going to spend weeks waiting for that Italian tile that your wife had to have because it matched the Walker Zenger backsplash, which you’re still waiting for. You may not have enough roofing experience so you’ll probably tear off the existing roof and then not continue until it’s rained at least a day or two since you probably don’t know how to conduct your own roof repair. Roofing contractors like Bondoc Roofing have the experience and the skillset to work on your home with the care that it needs. That’s why it’s important to hire professionals like RainTech Roofing, Sheet Metal & Gutters for assistance if you want to get the job done correctly.
And don’t ever ask your contractor, “What’s the hold up?” because you’ll just look stupid when he says, “We’re waiting on an inspection.”
6. Living without a kitchen
Since you are having a kitchen remodeling project, you can’t use the kitchen for quite some time. Probably longer. Breathe deeply and adapt. Remember that after the renovation, you will have a nice kitchen (visit now to learn more how you can achieve this). Remember college when you survived with a hot plate, mini fridge, and paper plates? You might want to add some rta kitchen cabinets to avoid the clutter. Let’s re-live that. Maybe play some hacky sack in the quad, go to a reggae festival, or read Catcher in the Rye again [delete: “again”]. It’ll be make you feel young again.
7. Coping with the stress
Take up meditation. Be like Elsa and “Let it Go.” As soon as the work begins, you’re going to have to find a way to keep your sanity. Keep imagining what it will look like. Remember you’re doing this for your kids and that the addition will be a perfect fit for your home.
Wait … Did I say “meditation?” Sorry for the typo. I meant “medication.” Yeah, that sounds better. Enjoy!