Should I...? 5 Burning Questions
If you are reading this, you’re probably the type of person who likes to daydream about what changes you’d make to your home if you suddenly won the lottery. The “let’s not worry about the budget” kind of changes, like your dream shower with frameless glass, body jets, and rainshower heads. Or maybe you’d start in the kitchen by knocking out a wall to add a monster island, tons of storage, and showstopping countertops.
These are major changes, and our clients want to know if they are making the right choices. Here are some of the questions we often hear:
How will this affect my home’s resale value?
Our answer: are you planning to sell your home in the next 4-5 years? If not, then don’t worry about it. Tastes, trends, and prices are going to change anyway, and you can’t worry about what a stranger is going to think of your home 10 or 20 years from now. Make the changes you want to see, so you can enjoy them now.
Should we replace our tub with a shower?
This is a little trickier to answer. If you plan to stay in the home as long as possible, we’d recommend getting rid of the tub. Several of our clients choose to install curbless showers with grab bars, which will accommodate them as they age in case they have mobility issues.
However, your home will be attractive to more buyers if there is at least one tub. Families with children are usually looking for a tub, as well as those with pets (I take my pooch to the dog wash, but I’m pretty sure that washing your kid there is frowned upon!)
Can I remove a wall?
You can remove any wall you want! But there are some things to remember: if it’s load-bearing, we’ll need to engineer a support beam (which is not as expensive as you might think). Sometimes the beam can be hidden in the ceiling, but in this photo, it’s visible. There was a discussion about making it look more like a rustic wooden beam, but in the end, the homeowners preferred that it blend in with the ceiling.
If it’s simply a partition wall, we still need to reroute electrical work and possibly some ductwork. And in either case, you need to think about flooring: you’ll most likely need to replace all of it. A summer 2020 project had us removing a wall, only to find that the gorgeous hardwood wasn’t installed the same way on both sides. But we like a challenge…
Should we drywall the basement ceiling?
We think so, as long as the upgrade is within code. Some people ask, “What if a pipe breaks?” Well, a pipe can break anywhere in your house. That didn’t stop you from drywalling the kitchen ceiling, right?
Having a finished ceiling in the basement instantly turns it into a more livable space. A drop ceiling does give easier access to pipes and electrical work, but we think having a more finished look really adds to the value of your home. And who doesn’t appreciate having another beautifully finished space to hang out in?
should I go for that trendy design element that I love so much?
You know what I’m going to say here, right? Isn’t that the whole point of remodeling your home? To fill it with your style? To design your space with things that make you happy? You worked hard for what you have, and now is not the time to compromise. If a few years go by and you fall out of love with that gold faucet, it can be replaced. Tired of the emerald green vanity? There’s a paint for that.
You know yourself. Trust your instincts. If you get stuck, we’ll help. And if you are leaning toward the funky tile, we’ll definitely be your partner in crime.
If you have a burning question, we’d love to hear it!
