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Old 05-01-2009, 03:08 PM
 
1,157 posts, read 2,651,691 times
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I am possibly looking for something new and was wondering if there is a quick and dirty way to find out if and how a property can be modified. To put in laymen terms- how much additional sq ft. can I add and still be compliant? Should I listen for laughter?

Is there someone that I can send a real estate spec to who can give me a green or red light on ability to add space? I'd like to know before I become too interested in a property.
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Old 05-01-2009, 03:21 PM
 
Location: Austin, TX!!!!
3,757 posts, read 9,058,660 times
Reputation: 1762
Quote:
Originally Posted by FuledbyBlueBell View Post
I am possibly looking for something new and was wondering if there is a quick and dirty way to find out if and how a property can be modified. To put in laymen terms- how much additional sq ft. can I add and still be compliant? Should I listen for laughter?

Is there someone that I can send a real estate spec to who can give me a green or red light on ability to add space? I'd like to know before I become too interested in a property.
I am assuming that it governed by your local zoning board and if relevant an HOA. I am also guessing that some of the RE professionals on this site would know off the top of their heads, but you will need to specify a city or town at least.
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Old 05-01-2009, 03:35 PM
 
1,157 posts, read 2,651,691 times
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Sorry- for Austin (looking at the central areas such as Brakerwood, Allendale, Windsor...)
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Old 05-01-2009, 03:36 PM
 
Location: Central Texas
20,958 posts, read 45,395,703 times
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I'm thinking since you're calling it a McMansion Ordinance and it's in the Austin forum that you're talking about Austin's McMansion Ordinance.

You should be able to find the information you're looking for on the city website here.
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Old 05-01-2009, 06:40 PM
 
8,231 posts, read 17,316,631 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FuledbyBlueBell View Post
I am possibly looking for something new and was wondering if there is a quick and dirty way to find out if and how a property can be modified. To put in laymen terms- how much additional sq ft. can I add and still be compliant? Should I listen for laughter?

Is there someone that I can send a real estate spec to who can give me a green or red light on ability to add space? I'd like to know before I become too interested in a property.
Not laughter....tears. Big sobs. Please don't build something big and ugly right up to the property line. Why not buy something big and cavernous in the suburbs where those houses look right?
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Old 05-01-2009, 06:57 PM
 
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Why does everyone assume that more sq ft equals bad taste? I'm sorry- I like having a large countertop in my bath, bigger closets and an office, but I also like charm. I'm not looking to build a 3 story tuscan right to the line as I also like a yard. Plus, I want to remodel- not demolish. With whatever house I may choose, I'd like to keep we do in the style of that house so it looks natural and compliments everything around it. Chill.
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Old 05-01-2009, 08:24 PM
 
8,231 posts, read 17,316,631 times
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I guess if I'm not chill about this it's because I've seen more than one really tasteless McMansion in Central Austin. My personal favorite: Listing Details (http://austinhomesearch.com/Search/Details.aspx?li=85666&or=1&cp=5 - broken link)

Glad you want to remodel and keep the charm and orignal style.

ps, the house I posted, according to my friend who lives nearby, started at $2M and is now at $800K.
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Old 05-01-2009, 08:43 PM
 
Location: Hutto, Tx
9,249 posts, read 26,691,351 times
Reputation: 2851
Quote:
Originally Posted by FuledbyBlueBell View Post
Why does everyone assume that more sq ft equals bad taste? I'm sorry- I like having a large countertop in my bath, bigger closets and an office, but I also like charm. I'm not looking to build a 3 story tuscan right to the line as I also like a yard. Plus, I want to remodel- not demolish. With whatever house I may choose, I'd like to keep we do in the style of that house so it looks natural and compliments everything around it. Chill.
Because we've seen a whole lot of lot hoggers going up lately. I saw this happen a lot in Rice Village right before I moved. A lot of streets lost their quaint laid back vibe to ultra big expensive pretentiousness. I'm just speaking for myself when I say I'm jaded when it comes to McMansions.

But, on the other hand, even out where I am, most of the remodels have been done in a very attractive way. I'd trade with a few of them, but I'm sure they wouldn't want to trade
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Old 05-01-2009, 08:49 PM
 
Location: Central Texas
20,958 posts, read 45,395,703 times
Reputation: 24740
I have to agree, we're all touchy about it because we've seen too many huge remodels/new builds done with no regard whatsoever for the neighborhood ambiance. That is, in fact, the reason for the McMansion Ordinance existing in the first place.
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Old 05-01-2009, 09:56 PM
 
1,157 posts, read 2,651,691 times
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Ok, sorry. I would like to defend the tuscan, by the way. I do like some of the homes in this style when built out in the hills because they look appropriate there with the rolling hills and mediterranean foliage. Central Austin just isn't the place for it. I like cottage all the way to MCM, but think that any changes should keep with the original nature and style of the house (thus, the neighborhood).
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