Buying a house with changes in mind?
Many people including myself, when considering a house purchase, look beyond the existing house and the existing condition of the house. It is “the diamond in the rough” syndrome.
We hear common statements like: I love this yard. It is just perfect, as soon as I put that fence up in the back to block the view of the dumpsters. Or, this house is just what I was looking for, after I add that big kitchen on the back. We hear many statements like this. We hear many plans that our clients have for their new purchases that we don’t hear during the transaction. Sometimes these plans fail, because of things they did not take into consideration.
For example, when the plans include anything that is on the exterior of the property, it is important to check with the local Zoning Commission. Zoning is the way the government controls the physical development of land and the use of each individual property. Zoning laws typically specify the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. Besides restricting the uses that can be made of land and buildings, zoning laws also may regulate the dimensional requirements for lots and for buildings on property located within the town.
Some zoning ordinances regulate how far from property lines additions or other improvements can be. Other zoning laws are not so obvious, such as restrictions on the type of windows that are allowed as replacement windows, the allowable height of a fence, or what kind of fence can be used. Some zoning ordinances also regulate the extraction of natural resources from land within the zoned area, others provide space for hospitals, parks, schools, and open space and still others protect places of historical significance within the community.
Since zoning ordinances are set and regulated by each individual town, city, township, or village, it is important for our clients to check with them before making plans.
If the plans include remodeling that will disturb any of the original building materials, it may be necessary to test any questionable materials. Most testing is not expensive, but will help determine if any special precautions or special handling of the building material is required for the remodeling job. Knowing this in advance is important from a budgeting standpoint.
A professional home inspector can determine the condition of the property and have testing done on questionable building materials, but a home inspector will not give estimates on repairs or remodeling.
Small jobs can add up quickly, not to mention additions, kitchen and bath remodels, and paint. As a handyman I was always happy to give my clients an estimate on the repairs and remodels before they purchased their “Diamond in the Rough”. This helps with a realistic cost of your finished diamond.
Knowing the facts and getting professional advice will help make a good investment for the buyer.
Many people including myself, when considering a house purchase, look beyond the existing house and the existing condition of the house. It is “the diamond in the rough” syndrome.
We hear common statements like: I love this yard. It is just perfect, as soon as I put that fence up in the back to block the view of the dumpsters. Or, this house is just what I was looking for, after I add that big kitchen on the back. We hear many statements like this. We hear many plans that our clients have for their new purchases that we don’t hear during the transaction. Sometimes these plans fail, because of things they did not take into consideration.
For example, when the plans include anything that is on the exterior of the property, it is important to check with the local Zoning Commission. Zoning is the way the government controls the physical development of land and the use of each individual property. Zoning laws typically specify the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. Besides restricting the uses that can be made of land and buildings, zoning laws also may regulate the dimensional requirements for lots and for buildings on property located within the town.
Some zoning ordinances regulate how far from property lines additions or other improvements can be. Other zoning laws are not so obvious, such as restrictions on the type of windows that are allowed as replacement windows, the allowable height of a fence, or what kind of fence can be used. Some zoning ordinances also regulate the extraction of natural resources from land within the zoned area, others provide space for hospitals, parks, schools, and open space and still others protect places of historical significance within the community.
Since zoning ordinances are set and regulated by each individual town, city, township, or village, it is important for our clients to check with them before making plans.
If the plans include remodeling that will disturb any of the original building materials, it may be necessary to test any questionable materials. Most testing is not expensive, but will help determine if any special precautions or special handling of the building material is required for the remodeling job. Knowing this in advance is important from a budgeting standpoint.
A professional home inspector can determine the condition of the property and have testing done on questionable building materials, but a home inspector will not give estimates on repairs or remodeling.
Small jobs can add up quickly, not to mention additions, kitchen and bath remodels, and paint. As a handyman I was always happy to give my clients an estimate on the repairs and remodels before they purchased their “Diamond in the Rough”. This helps with a realistic cost of your finished diamond.
Knowing the facts and getting professional advice will help make a good investment for the buyer.
1 comment:
I think it's nice when people can see through any problem a house has. They can see the "bones" of the house (or what it can become.) I hate it when I hear someone won't buy a house because they don't like the flooring, or a light fixture, or even the color of the paint.
No house is perfect for anyone, even one they have designed and built for them.
I just took on a "good bones" project myself. Now... let the work begin :)
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