From the category archives:

renovations

When should I replace parts of my home?

June 17, 2008 · 1 comment

Although this article may be useful for people living in older homes, purchasers of newer homes can also benefit from this. A home in not unlike a car – it’s made up of a variety of components that have different life expectancies and that need to be replaced throughout various stages of it’s use. If you live in a new home, this list is merely something to keep in mind down the road as your house ages. If you’re living in a older home, it’d be wise to check up on the different parts of your home to see if it’s time for them to be replaced.

Here is a list of important items in your home and their average life expectancies:

The Roof

Standard asphalt shingles – 12-15 years.
Premium asphalt shingles – 15-30 years.
Wood shingles – 10-20 years.
Concrete or clay tiling – 20-40 years.
Asbestos cement – 40-80 years.
Slate tiles – 40-80 years.
Roll roofing – 5-15 years.
Tar and gravel – 15-25 years.
Metal – 60 years.

Heating

Forced air furnace – 10-25 years.
Oil tank – 20 years.
Welded steel water/steam boiler – 15-30 years.
Cast iron water/steam boiler – 30-50 years.
Water/steam circulating pump – 10-25 years.

Cooling

Central air – 10-25 years.
Heat pump – 10-15 years.
Window air conditioning – 10-20 years.

Plumbing

Galvanized water pipes – 20-25 years.
Hot water heater – 5-15 years.
Septic/sewer pump – 5-10 years.
Well pump – 10 years.

Appliances

Dishwasher – 5-12 years.
Dryer – 10-25 years.
Garbage disposal – 5-12 years.
Oven/range – 15-20 years.
Washing machine – 5-15 years.

As always, this is only a general guide. Some components may need to replaced sooner due to wear and tear, while others may last longer because of great quality.

Till next time!

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Nazlin
I am looking for reasonable contractor for stamped concrete work. Noticed your estimate of about $10/sq foot. Can you provide some recommendations?

Should I buy a house that was just ‘flipped’?

June 8, 2008 · 0 comments

Here’s the scenario – you’re in the market to purchase a new home and in the course of looking at a few properties, you fall in love with a quaint, older home that’s been newly renovated. It sits in a well established, cozy neighbourhood with tall trees and a large yard. The exterior of the home is nostalgic and reminds you of the home you grew up in, but the interior is freshly renovated with gleaming hardwood, a sparkling new kitchen, and beautiful bathrooms. From what you know, the house was recently purchased in a run-down state, but the seller invested substantially in fixing and updating the house. What are some things you need to consider before you put an offer in on this home?

The advantages are already clear. Older homes tend to be situated in more desirable neighbourhoods. You also know you won’t have to invest any money into fixing up the house. But there may also be some issues of concern that you may have to keep in mind:

Thoroughly inspect the renovations that were done on the home. Inquire as to the list of renovations that were made.
Ask for specifics. What exactly does upgraded plumbing or upgraded windows mean? Was plumbing repaired or completely replaced? Were windows resealed or replaced?
Find a qualified home inspector to thoroughly inspect the property and the new renovations.
Ask about building permits. Were permits registered and finalized with the city for all the work that was done?
Is the owner also the renovator? If so, are they qualified contractors who are capable of doing professional work? Are they willing to warranty the work they’ve done on the home?
Make sure to ask for any warranties for all new work as well as appliances upon purchase of the home.

Buying a flipped house can be both rewarding and time-saving if you are prepared with the right questions upon discussing the purchase of the home. Remember, people tend to take greater care when they are renovating for their own use as opposed to renovating for the purpose of resale, so be sure to inspect the quality of the work first! Keep your eyes open and be diligent, and you may just land yourself the perfect home.

If you’re interested in looking at power of sale homes, or recently flipped homes, feel free to contact me through my contact form and I will be glad to provide you with the most current listings in Brampton.

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How much will it cost me to pave my driveway or build a garage?

April 29, 2008 · 5 comments

As always, I’m always on the lookout for building/renovation costs to provide to my readers as a general basis before taking on renovation tasks. It’s tough sometimes knowing where to begin or knowing who to ask regarding large projects and the costs that are associated. Hopefully, my previous articles have been of some help. Today’s pricing list is a general guideline for those interested in paving their driveways or building garages.

Garage
Detached Carport – $4000+
Detached Wood Frame (Single Car) – $8000+
Detached Wood Frame (Double Car) – $13,000+
Detached Block (Single Car) – $18,000+
Detached Block (Double Car) – $24,000+
Removal of Existing Garage – $1,500+

Overhead Doors
Automatic Garage Door Opener – $200-$300
Cladboard (Single) – $450-$650
Cladboard (Double) – $750-$1,000
Metal (Single) – $700
Metal (Double) – $1,100
Wood (Single One Piece) – $725
Wood (Double Sectional) – $1,250

Driveway
Asphalt Paving (Existing Base) – $3-$5/square foot
Asphalt Paving (New Base) – $3-$5.50/square foot
Asphalt Seal – $50-$75
Stamped Concrete – $5-$10/square foot
Interlocking Brick/Stone – $8-$10/square foot

In the coming days, I will have more pricing lists for other renovation/construction projects available!

** Update – August 25, 2009*

Thanks to reader William for submitting the following update:

Having been in the business of Concrete driveways and decorative curbing for over 3 years now, I would have you adjust your pricing for stamped concrete driveways. The average cost to have someone come in and do this is between 13 and 20 dollars per sq ft depending on pattern and shape of driveway. There are many factors involved and you are managing the buyers expectations poorly. Colour concrete alone is close to 200/yd which will be almost $4/sq ft…not including anything else. It would be greatly appreciated if you could adjust this area on you site to reflect market pricing.

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driveway cost
Asphalt is used on roads in tropical countries. The finer version used on driveways uses smaller stones which take longer to set. When it is hot in the UK we tell people to go easy on the surface at first, i.e. not turn wheels. I think you will get this issue much worse in a humid tropical climate but a local contractor will know best.

vincent oluonye ogakwu
i leave in a tropical climate, its too hot and harsh, pls do you think that decorative ashalt stamping can withstand our weather.

It’s time for a new roof, but how much will it cost me?

March 13, 2008 · 2 comments

With spring around the corner, some of you may be considering replacing that old roof. The real estate market tends to pick up briskly in the spring, and changing an old roof may be needed if you plan on selling your house. One of the key areas of a home inspection is looking at the condition of the roof. If you’re selling your house and your roof is in rough shape, buyers may ask for money if the inspection indicates a deteriorating or leaky roof.

Replacing a roof usually comes down to two factors: climate and budget. But because here in Brampton we already know we’ll face harsh winters and burning summers, most home owners tend to decide based on budget. Here are the different kinds of roofing available to you, and their respective costs. Just for reference purposes, a square is a standard roofing measurement, and is equal to 100 square feet.

Asphalt Shingles

These are the most common type of shingles you’ll find on houses today. Asphalt shingles will last anywhere between 15-30 years, but they offer the best value for your dollar. Because they come in a wide variety of styles and colours, they’re obviously the most popular choice. These shingles will cost you between $50 – $75 per square.

Laminate Asphalt Shingles

These shingles are much like the regular ones, except they’re made of layers of fibreglass and other materials. This gives your entire roof a textured appearance, and can often look like more expensive roofing like cedar or slate. Expect to pay between $120 – $150 per square.

Cedar Shingles

Cedar shingles are usually chosen more for their looks, and you won’t find them that often on new residential homes. If you intend on installing cedar shingles, know that they can last up to 25 years if they’re properly maintained. These shingles will run you around $300 per square.

Metal

Metal roofing comes in different materials such as aluminum and steel. The great thing about metal roofing is that it’s quick and easy to install. And because metal roofing is so light, it’s often possible to install metal roofing without having to remove your old roofing. This can save you time and money in a crunch. Metal roofing tends to last more than 50 years, and will cost you around $400 per square.

Slate

Slate roofing is rarely used on residential homes due to the high costs. However, this high cost means that the roofing could last well over a 100 years. If you’re interested, slate roofing will cost around $1000 per square.

These costs are only for materials. If you don’t plan on installing roofing yourself, don’t forget to budget for labour costs. Remember to shop around and ask for a number of different estimates. It’s good to compare prices as well as the quality of work. Also, have your roof inspected for leaks and ventilation problems before you install the new roof. It may save you some trouble in the long run if you catch a potential problem early.

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Choosing a New Roof: What you should know | Pro Roofing
[...] It’s time for a new roof, but how much will it cost me? [...]

Larry Yatkowsky
Anybody using recycled roof materials back east? I have seen a number of houses going this route on the coast. Supposedly fire proof and good for 75 to 100 years. Looks pretty too. You need a close look to know they are not 5/8" but shingles. Cost about 50% more than asphalt singles.

How much will it cost to renovate my kitchen?

February 24, 2008 · 4 comments

If you are looking for the best bang for your renovation dollar, kitchens and bathrooms are still considered to be the projects with the highest potential to add or maintain value in a home.

If you are considering selling your home in the near future, talk to a REALTOR^® for tips on how to make your home more appealing and “saleable.” You may find that a new kitchen is not in your best interests and a fresh coat of paint and some minor repairs are all that’s needed. Because renovating a kitchen can be one of the more expensive projects a homeowner will undertake, you’ll want to consider the length of time you expect to stay in your house.

According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, if you are remodelling your kitchen as a face-lift prior to selling it, it’s recommended that you spend no more than 10-15% of the cost of your house. If you are going to remain in your house for more than five years, you can spend 25% or more – and in most cases you will recoup the cost of the renovation when you sell.

How much will it cost?
Kitchen renovations can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 for a cosmetic facelift with no new cabinets, plumbing or electrical changes. Look to spend at least $10,000 if you choose new low-end cabinetry, counters, appliances, flooring, paint, and some minor structural changes. However, the sky’s the limit when it comes to a new kitchen and you can expect to pay $20,000 and up for high quality cabinets, custom work and many upgrades.

Keeping costs down
There are ways to cut costs when updating your kitchen without sacrificing quality. Regardless of what you do budget, don’t skimp on design, appliances, or labor. These are the basis for a functional kitchen and you should get the best you can afford. To keep costs to a minimum, use stock cabinets instead of custom work, laminates instead of solids, and hang on to your current appliances, if you can. Also try to keep your existing plumbing and electrical and don’t make structural changes to the room. Planning ahead in detail will also save you money. Any changes or corrections halfway through the process will be expensive.

Tips for low cost kitchen makeovers
If your budget is tight and smaller projects are what you’re aiming for, here are a few ideas:

Resurface or repaint old cupboards
Paint is inexpensive and can transform wooden cupboards in a matter of hours. Try a new painting technique, or a textured look, or a zesty combination of colours. You can also resurface old cupboards with wood laminate, or one of the new, non-traditional plastic-based materials that resist chipping, denting and staining. Formica counter tops, for example, provide the look and feel of expensive solid surfacing at about half the cost.

Use more glass
Replace a few cabinets with glass ones. Glass and mirrors in a room add the illusion of more space, as well as glamour — especially if you add interior lights to your new cupboards.

Change your hardware
Simply adding new cabinet and drawer handles can change the look of a kitchen! With the many choices in colour, size and style of drawer knobs and handles, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Floor and wall facelifts
Paint, wallpaper and flooring in a variety of textures, styles, colours and patterns can easily spice up a bland kitchen. Stencil a border around a window, below a ceiling, or between the cupboards and the counter tops and you can change the mood overnight.

Be innovative
A good kitchen should not only look great, but stand up to daily wear and tear. It should function well and enable people to move freely between it and related areas of the house.

If you plan to completely remodel the kitchen, be honest about your ability. You may want to leave this important job in the hands of an expert who can do the work quickly and professionally. A kitchen designer/contractor can suggest unique ideas and come up with creative solutions to particular problems. Finally, be sure to get at least two bids on the work you plan to do and compare these carefully.

This article was provided by the Ontario Real Estate Association. Many thanks to OREA!

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mandan@09
too much money it takes

Kitchen Designs
Great Post....Renovating a kitchen is a big undertaking and one that requires careful planning. If you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen, these ideas offer some important things to consider before you go ahead with your renovating plans.

Hardwood floors and more! How much will it cost me?

February 19, 2008 · 4 comments

If you own real estate in Brampton, you know the market is fast-paced and ever changing. In order to keep up with the demands of buyers, lot of sellers are looking to tear out their outdated carpets and replace them with new flooring. How much will this flooring set you back, and what choices are available to you?

Read on to find out your options and what it will cost you!

Ceramic Tiles
The great thing about ceramic tiles is that they are extremely easy to clean and come in a huge selection of colours, styles and sizes. This makes coordinating super easy. What you will need to bear in mind is that not all ceramic tiles are made the same, so you’ll have to do your research beforehand. High traffic areas may need more resistant tiles, and there is always the danger of cracking or chipping. Budget for $5 – $20 per square foot.

Porcelain Tiles
These tiles are stronger than ceramic tiles and give you that stone look. You’ll also find that they come in all sorts of colours and styles. Porcelain tiles will cost you $6 – $14 per square foot.

Natural Stone
If you’re thinking about slate, marble, limestone, or sandstone, you’re looking at natural stones. Travertine is becoming very popular these days, and you’ll be seeing more of it in higher end houses that are being flipped. Natural stones will contain imperfections and they will need to be sealed regularly. Expect to pay $10 – $30 per square foot.

Hardwood
Hardwood floors still remain very popular with homeowners, especially oak and maple. Hardwood is very inviting and is a safe choice if you plan on renovating and selling, as it has wide appeal. These floors will remain durable if properly sealed every few years. Hardwood will cost you $6 – $15 per square foot.

Laminate
This type of flooring comes in lots of styles and colours, and can be made to look like wood, stone, and ceramic. Laminate flooring is great because it resists stains and scratches quite easily. It’s also easy to assemble and with proper care, can last at least 20 years. Just be careful not to use laminate flooring in wet or damp areas, as it can warp over time. Laminate flooring will cost you $4 – $10 per square foot.

Remember that these prices are only a general guide, and that it’s important to shop around thoroughly first. If you’re looking for a renovation project that will immediately be noticed and give your home a boost in value, consider flooring! Not only is it trendy to get rid of that old carpet, it’s also easier for those who have allergies.

renovations