ᐅ Renovating the Roof of a Semi-Detached House + General Decision-Making Guide for Homebuyers
Created on: 18 Jul 2014 22:49
A
AlexSaHello,
I previously started a thread further down about an extension to a semi-detached house.
Now another house option has come up, which is initially 20,000 euros cheaper and almost 20 sqm (215 sq ft) larger, plus the same size in basement space. However, this house is generally in worse condition than the other one. The following work would be needed:
- Bathroom (currently a minimal setup in the basement) to be completely newly installed in part of the existing (basemented) extension (there are currently no water or drainage pipes there) -> What price ranges should we expect? Could there be issues with laying the pipes, or is it generally possible anywhere?
- Roof is old (no overhang) and uninsulated -> Is it feasible to fully renovate “half” of a semi-detached house roof including adding a gable? What price range should we expect?
- On that occasion, the attic should also be properly converted; there is direct access from the child’s bedroom, and I’m imagining that, prospectively, this space could be used by the child for sleeping, while the lower room area (only about 10 sqm (108 sq ft)) would be used for playing, homework, etc.
If a second child arrives, we would consider adding another floor to the extension, about 18 sqm (194 sq ft). Price range?
I know it’s hard to give blanket statements, but we really are weighing up:
a) A small but nice semi-detached house with a double carport (which would need to be repositioned) where an extension would definitely be necessary (adding two rooms on the ground floor); it has a covered ground-level terrace, but for example, an additional toilet would need to be installed in the very stylish tiled bathroom; two bedrooms are on the ground floor next to the living room, and one upstairs next to the bathroom; the already converted attic serves as a hobby/guest room.
b) A larger semi-detached house on a corner lot that seems a bit outdated and not as well maintained; an extension with an additional floor might be relevant later, and then all three bedrooms would be upstairs.
Plot A has a large pond, which we don’t find ideal because of the child. It otherwise seems smaller than the other, even though there is only a 15 sqm (161 sq ft) difference. It is nicely screened with planting but also shadier. It’s purely an ornamental garden, whereas I would prefer a productive garden with, for example, fruit trees. Covered terrace on the house. The gable end of the semi-detached house faces west.
Plot B is a corner lot (one less neighbor but more winter road maintenance and possibly local fees; there is a street lamp there as well) and therefore feels larger. There is no driveway or carport yet, but that is possible. It seems bigger than the other and at least has an apple tree. It is still fairly visible but I would let the hedge on the two street sides grow higher. We have already spoken to both neighboring plot owners and got a good impression. The gable end of the semi-detached house faces east. It is slightly closer to a railway line and facing it. This is not too disruptive but occasional freight trains are more noticeable than at the other location.
Hmm, how would you decide or what would be your deciding factors?
The cheaper house with more renovation work (although not everything needed right away, theoretically could move in with one child initially, though I would do the bathroom immediately).
Or 20,000 euros more for a small gem that is already too small with one child and thus immediately needs a bigger extension? Which would further reduce the already rather modest-sized plot (we are talking about around 600 sqm (6,458 sq ft))? Also, there are a few smaller things that would need to be changed. It’s all designed for a couple, not a family.
Corner lot? Plot “in the middle”?
With B (the cheaper corner lot), I am particularly interested in the basemented extension. For cost reasons, we would only consider an extension without a basement. But having the basement does provide a lot more storage space, which we could really use!
What are the approximate costs for about 20 sqm (215 sq ft) of basement on a level plot (roughly)?
Our gut feeling is not very helpful. House hunting in our area is stressful and compromises will definitely be necessary in our desired location.
Sorry for the long text. Feel free to just answer individual questions! ;-)
I previously started a thread further down about an extension to a semi-detached house.
Now another house option has come up, which is initially 20,000 euros cheaper and almost 20 sqm (215 sq ft) larger, plus the same size in basement space. However, this house is generally in worse condition than the other one. The following work would be needed:
- Bathroom (currently a minimal setup in the basement) to be completely newly installed in part of the existing (basemented) extension (there are currently no water or drainage pipes there) -> What price ranges should we expect? Could there be issues with laying the pipes, or is it generally possible anywhere?
- Roof is old (no overhang) and uninsulated -> Is it feasible to fully renovate “half” of a semi-detached house roof including adding a gable? What price range should we expect?
- On that occasion, the attic should also be properly converted; there is direct access from the child’s bedroom, and I’m imagining that, prospectively, this space could be used by the child for sleeping, while the lower room area (only about 10 sqm (108 sq ft)) would be used for playing, homework, etc.
If a second child arrives, we would consider adding another floor to the extension, about 18 sqm (194 sq ft). Price range?
I know it’s hard to give blanket statements, but we really are weighing up:
a) A small but nice semi-detached house with a double carport (which would need to be repositioned) where an extension would definitely be necessary (adding two rooms on the ground floor); it has a covered ground-level terrace, but for example, an additional toilet would need to be installed in the very stylish tiled bathroom; two bedrooms are on the ground floor next to the living room, and one upstairs next to the bathroom; the already converted attic serves as a hobby/guest room.
b) A larger semi-detached house on a corner lot that seems a bit outdated and not as well maintained; an extension with an additional floor might be relevant later, and then all three bedrooms would be upstairs.
Plot A has a large pond, which we don’t find ideal because of the child. It otherwise seems smaller than the other, even though there is only a 15 sqm (161 sq ft) difference. It is nicely screened with planting but also shadier. It’s purely an ornamental garden, whereas I would prefer a productive garden with, for example, fruit trees. Covered terrace on the house. The gable end of the semi-detached house faces west.
Plot B is a corner lot (one less neighbor but more winter road maintenance and possibly local fees; there is a street lamp there as well) and therefore feels larger. There is no driveway or carport yet, but that is possible. It seems bigger than the other and at least has an apple tree. It is still fairly visible but I would let the hedge on the two street sides grow higher. We have already spoken to both neighboring plot owners and got a good impression. The gable end of the semi-detached house faces east. It is slightly closer to a railway line and facing it. This is not too disruptive but occasional freight trains are more noticeable than at the other location.
Hmm, how would you decide or what would be your deciding factors?
The cheaper house with more renovation work (although not everything needed right away, theoretically could move in with one child initially, though I would do the bathroom immediately).
Or 20,000 euros more for a small gem that is already too small with one child and thus immediately needs a bigger extension? Which would further reduce the already rather modest-sized plot (we are talking about around 600 sqm (6,458 sq ft))? Also, there are a few smaller things that would need to be changed. It’s all designed for a couple, not a family.
Corner lot? Plot “in the middle”?
With B (the cheaper corner lot), I am particularly interested in the basemented extension. For cost reasons, we would only consider an extension without a basement. But having the basement does provide a lot more storage space, which we could really use!
What are the approximate costs for about 20 sqm (215 sq ft) of basement on a level plot (roughly)?
Our gut feeling is not very helpful. House hunting in our area is stressful and compromises will definitely be necessary in our desired location.
Sorry for the long text. Feel free to just answer individual questions! ;-)
Are you making decisions on your own without professional expertise? That’s how it sounds to me.
I would have an architect inspect both houses to determine whether the renovation plans you have in mind are actually feasible: both technically and in terms of the local zoning regulations (building permit / planning permission).
Since you will need an architect for the building applications anyway, they should already be involved in an advisory role now. They can also inform you about how and what costs will arise.
Basically, it would be frustrating to invest a lot of money, work, and time only to find out later that everything is much tighter than expected.
I would have an architect inspect both houses to determine whether the renovation plans you have in mind are actually feasible: both technically and in terms of the local zoning regulations (building permit / planning permission).
Since you will need an architect for the building applications anyway, they should already be involved in an advisory role now. They can also inform you about how and what costs will arise.
Basically, it would be frustrating to invest a lot of money, work, and time only to find out later that everything is much tighter than expected.
We had a professional involved with the small house and also inquired at the building authority / planning office – basically, our project seems feasible. The same applies to adding an additional floor to the other house. Unfortunately, there is no time in our area to think for weeks, as all houses are selling like hotcakes.
Based on this, would you lean towards the larger house? Are there any other opinions? We need to make a decision by Tuesday, as I actually wanted to submit the loan application for A by then (the other offer just came in now).
Based on this, would you lean towards the larger house? Are there any other opinions? We need to make a decision by Tuesday, as I actually wanted to submit the loan application for A by then (the other offer just came in now).
Yes, exactly. Well... why would I need a professional to tell me that a bathroom needs to be installed? And that the electrical system needs to be renewed? I am aware of and see that myself. I should mention that the real estate agent is practically a colleague, and I at least trust his expertise. My husband, on the other hand, is a trained bricklayer and also has a professional eye for it.
What extensions or modifications are possible in this residential area, we can see when we walk through the streets.
Is it common for you to bring an expert to EVERY house viewing? It’s not like that here.
Who exactly is the right expert to immediately provide all costs? Moreover, without having to pay them at every viewing?
What extensions or modifications are possible in this residential area, we can see when we walk through the streets.
Is it common for you to bring an expert to EVERY house viewing? It’s not like that here.
Who exactly is the right expert to immediately provide all costs? Moreover, without having to pay them at every viewing?
AlexSa schrieb:
Who exactly is the right expert who can immediately tell you all the costs? And on top of that, without asking for money at every inspection?If not them, then who?
Of course, you don’t take an expert to every viewing, but for the house you come back to a second and third time because it’s a real candidate to buy.
Who, if not an architect or another qualified expert, can give you an approximate idea of the costs? Neither WE nor you can do that.
They should also be able to identify damages that a layperson cannot properly assess.
Besides, not all renovation measures are so easily doable—but do I really need to repeat myself? 🙄
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