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Tag: Seattle remodel

Should I remodel my house or rebuild it?

Deciding when to update your Seattle home and when to start over

If you’ve ever stared at the growing list of things you want to change in your home and thought, “Maybe we should just start from scratch?” you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether to remodel or rebuild. There are many factors that go into this decision—some technical, some financial and some emotional.

To remodel or rebuild? That is the question. Here are some things to consider:

Is your home structurally sound?

One of the first things to consider when you’re deciding whether to update or start over is the condition of your home. If it has no issues with its foundation, roof or load-bearing walls, it might be a good candidate for a remodel. However, if there are structural issues on top of the layout and aesthetic changes you’d like to make, you may need to do a more thorough cost/benefit analysis.

What’s your budget?

Rebuilds are generally more expensive than remodels. That being said, the more things you want or need to change in your house, the more expensive the remodel. If you’re looking at a whole house remodel in the Seattle area, you’ll still likely save some money over a new build, but permits, structural engineering and unforeseen issues in older homes can add up. In terms of resale value, new homes usually command higher prices, unless the character and architectural style of your old home is highly sought-after.

What’s your tolerance for disruption?

Rebuilds typically take longer than remodels—but that isn’t always the case. Smaller remodels can be done in a matter of months (once the permits are approved) and typically allow you to stay in your home. But if you’re looking at a whole-house remodel, your timeline might be closer to a rebuild and you’ll need to move out for either option.

How sentimental are you?

If you have a strong emotional attachment to your home, really consider whether you’re ready to see the home you love get demolished. Remodeling can bring up all sorts of emotions, but a demo on the place where your kids grew up can be unexpectedly traumatic for some people. If any sort of alteration seems daunting, consider buying a new house with the express intent of remodeling or rebuilding. If you love your home but some elements have always been begging for an upgrade, a remodel of your existing house is probably your best bet. And if you always knew your house wasn’t the right fit for your family, your house is likely a good candidate for a demo and rebuild.

Consult a professional

Every family’s needs are different and every home and the land it stands on is different. With a decision as complicated as choosing whether to remodel or rebuild, it’s best to work with an experienced, local contracting firm like Axiom Design Build.

If you’re considering updating your home, we’d love to talk! Axiom’s experienced team of in-house designers, architects and builders are ready to provide expert guidance on your Seattle remodel or rebuild. Get started

 

How can I update my older Seattle home while preserving its character?

How to modernize a vintage house without losing its original charm

There’s just something about older Seattle homes. From classic craftsmans and charming Victorians to midcentury moderns and Hollywood bungalows, the wealth of architectural styles in the Seattle area is a vintage-lover’s dream.

While we love older homes, we recognize that sometimes they need updating. Gorgeous, 100-year-old leaded glass windows can buckle and fail. Plumbing and wiring from the 1950s isn’t always safe or functional. Some pre-war homes had “unfortunate” things done to them in the 1970s and 80s and need restoration to their original style.

Whatever the issue, the key to a successful historic home remodel is to focus on preservation, reuse and restoration.

Budget more for reuse in your vintage home remodel

If reuse is a priority and you have the budget for the extra labor involved, you can ask your contractor to try to save special woodwork, built-ins or cast-iron bathtubs. You can also find period-appropriate replacement pieces from reuse stores like Ballard Reuse, Earthwise Architectural Salvage and Second Use Building Materials.

Vintage-inspired fixtures for period homes

When reuse is impossible, unsafe or just not cost-effective, look for new, vintage-inspired pieces from retailers like Schoolhouse or Rejuvenation. Whether you’re working with an in-house design team at a firm like Axiom or DIY-ing it, aim for a blend of old and new when you’re picking your fixtures and design elements.

Some general tips for maintaining your home’s character:

  • Try to find period-appropriate fixtures for kitchens and baths, including sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Even big box retailers often have vintage-inspired fixtures that will look at home in your older house.
  • Reproduction and vintage-inspired appliances do exist, and if you have the budget for them, they can add color and style to your kitchen update.
  • Incorporate vintage-inspired design elements, like subway tile, classic cabinetry, chandeliers and sconce lighting.
  • Choose period-appropriate paint colors or opt for wallpaper. For the commitment-phobic, there are countless peel-and-stick wallpaper options these days.
  • If you’re planning on altering the layout and creating more open spaces, consider adding French doors or large pocket doors to maintain the aesthetic and possibility of divided rooms while getting the open feeling you’re after.
  • Use wireless smart home technology to avoid having to go into original plaster walls.
  • Visit second-hand stores and antique shops to find unique vintage décor, furnishings and design elements.

Finally, work with designers and contractors who understand older homes and preservation techniques. Explore their portfolio of past projects or ask to see examples of what they’ve done with older homes.

To explore some of Axiom’s vintage home remodels, go here

If you’d like to start planning your own Seattle remodel, reach out!