The big debate....build new house or work with what we got?? Thoughts everyone? (roof, foundation)

[Bighorn911]

The wife and I are at a crossroads. We are currently renting an older 3bd/1bath house with some land. The house needs new windows, central heat/air and an all around facelift and it would be nice to add a bathroom and some sort of backyard oasis. Within the year we are pretty certain that we will have the option to purchase the house from the owner and can make it ours. We don't know if it is worth the time and energy to completely level the house and start from scratch or to do some major renovations. At this point, we dont even have the slightest idea of cost for something like this. Things we would like to add would be a nice backyard deck with a doughboy pool, a garage/carport and a workshop somewhere on the land. We would also like to do something with the covered carport that is attached to the house, we just dont know what. We have about an acre to work with. I'm going to try and uploads some pics so you can get an idea of what we are working with. For those that have built brand new or renovated older homes we would like some input. We are a young family and would like to have a comfortable house for our four kids to call home. We look forward to all ideas and opinions. Thank you.

http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/Bi...bed/slideshow/

Please excuse our cars, don't how how they slipped into that album.

[kab0906]

I would imagine the debate needs to start with your local zoning board. Would they even allow you to raze the building? Would they permit a building the size you want to be built on that lot? What would be the cost associated with the removal of the structure? What would zoning say about just adding to the house?

[silibran]

I recommend looking at homes that are for sale in your area. You need to know what you could purchase with your resources if you went looking to buy. I assume you like where you live. But the right decision might be to buy another property.

If you are set on staying put, then you will need to talk to county officials about what is allowed, as kab0906 has said. The costs of either an extensive remodel or a build will be more than you anticipate.

Could you be satisfied with a new garage and deck? Would you be able to wait awhile to get the other things?

Would you be doing some of the work yourself?

There are lots of questions to answer. Take your time deciding what you want to do.

[Mary_Moon]

My husband and I attempted to renovate our former home over a period of 8 years before we decided to just tear it down and build a new house. Even though conditions were right when we built in 2012 - cheap labor, great construction/mortgage rates - I regret that my kids, now 13 and 8, had to spend their early years in such a crappy house that was constantly being worked on and looked ghetto. Even though we tackled several repairs and interior improvements, the old house needed to basically be taken to the studs - roof and all - and required foundation work along with the plumbing and electrical. It worked out better for us financially to just take it down. Demo cost was under $10k.

That said, we owned the old house and land outright - if you have to get a mortgage to buy the house you're considering I doubt the bank would let you tear it down no matter its condition.

[Electrician4you]

Renovating is cheaper even if you add on a whole room and bathroom etc. You already have the main structure built.

[davebarnes]

Talk with local architect who does lots of remodels.
You will pay about $200-$300.
Money well spent. I guarantee it.
Take lots of notes.

[mkarch]

If the house is solid, it looks like a fairly straightforward design that would be easy to renovate or add on to, given your desired improvements. But as for the cars, you're going to need a pickup truck.