Remodel vs start over?

[Deberosa]

We have a very small stick built place - 1970 era. When I list the things that need/should be done to this place in the next 5 years, the list is getting long!

Things like:

New roof
Replace front deck and cover (rotted and leaking now)
replace aluminum windows
Upgrade electric (might be cheaper since Kurt can do this)
Water heater (sure to go out soon)
Flooring (the carpet has to go!)
Upgrade Kitchen - really extend it out to make it more than a closet!
New siding (painted for short term but needs work!)
Some kind of central heat or heating upgrade.


That's to name a few. I think once the deck is off we will find rot on the under structure of the house also. It's what was called a stick built off site - or a modular on foundation from 1970.

I am wondering if this is all worth it when I can move a modular on site and turn this into either a shop or tear it down... At what point do you decide if it's a better idea to simply start over.

[bee_pipes]

Depends on what you have to work with. Sounds like your time is really at a premium, between job, business and the never-ending list of chores. We have a double wide from the 80's that's in pretty good shape. There are changes we'd like to make to it, but I was thinking more along the lines of adding on. Living space is okay - two bedrooms, two bathrooms. Kitchen is adequate for the two of us. We really need a mud room and storage off the kitchen.

If you look at roof, take a look at metal. It lasts, is not too hard to put on, and can go right over the top of shingles, leaving an extra layer of insulation. Roofing decisions might have to dovetail with the deck, depending on whether the deck cover is an extension of the roof.

Do you have a wood stove? You might still need to improve your heating, if the furnace is too old, but consider a good spot for a wood stove that would be central to the house. The stove in our place was installed when we bought it - next to a wall on one side of a central room. I think it would have been better smack in the middle of the house. It works well and really does a job on keeping power bills down. Now, if I could only find a wood burning air conditioner...

Sounds like you have a good start - a list at least. Next job might be to set priorities - maybe addressing rot, and tackling that first. Don't know how your house is arranged, but the kitchen might be able to come into the deck? Or an above ground extension off the back of the house?

We moved into a smaller house when we got this place. Now, after two years, I think I could really get to like an even smaller place. Would need more out buildings for working on projects and storage, but there are time a small cabin really appeals to me. My wife and I have often talked about building a cabin up on one of the ridges where the air is better than down in the hollow we live in. Smaller would be easier to keep up.... There is an old trailer on the property that wasn't taken care of. It was the original structure here. Would have made a nice shop if they hadn't let a roof leak rot out the inside. The floors are very shaky and I don't' think the structure is safe. We're going to strip all the windows, wiring, fixtures and metal we can, then haul it to the landfill a truck load at a time.

Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!

Regards,
Pat

[desdawg]

I guess some of that depends on your situation. Something new for most folks requires a new monthly payent. :-/ With the remodel you are talking about you can live with it as you go along. That could result in major savings. And you can pay as you go and not break the bank. Looking at the entire picture can be depressing. But usually it is a "cinch by the inch but it is hard by the yard". I would probably remodel. JMO