BUYING A HOME YOU WANT TO RENOVATE

     There are a number of things to consider when you are buying a home, you don't need me to tell you what they are, you have your own list.  However, if you are purchasing a home with the thought that you might want to do some future renovation or add an addition to it, while then I might be able to put a few thoughts about that in your head.

  Remember when you do additions/renovations they may affect your property taxes, your insurance, your heating and electrical bills...just to name a few things.

When you are looking at houses to buy, think what the house is now, then think about the type of renovations you might want to do. 

• If you are looking at an addition, before you buy go down to the local building department and make sure the lot setbacks will allow what you want.
• Addition or renovation, what is the approximate cost so you can judge if you will get your money back if you have to sell in a few years?  This might not by an issue but its still good to know.
• Do you like the look of the home?  If not, why not?  Can it be changed/altered to make it more desirable? At what cost? Is there enough parking?
• Does the house have a layout you can live with? If you are thinking of knocking out walls make sure they are not load bearing as those get costly to take our but you want it done right so your roof doesn't cave in one night.
• If you are thinking of putting in plumbing of any kind, what kind of foundation are you on?  If you are on a slab on the ground floor where you want a new bathroom consider this might involve jack hammering out some of the concrete foundation to run pipe.  If you are thinking you want a laundry room on the second floor where the bedrooms are what does that affect in the floor/ceiling below?  Even cosmetic work (drywall and paint) can be expensive.
• Are there future considerations that need to be thought of presently.  Are you thinking you might want to put in an in-law suite? Are you zoned for that? Again, what does that entail with plumbing, etc.  Are you thinking of running a home based business out of your home?  Again, check with the city. 
• Are there current health issues that you might have to deal with down the road? Such things as barrier free showers, walkers or wheel chairs.  If it is your "forever" home, can it accommodate you if issues come up?

Buying a home (whether it is your first, second, or last) is a big purchase.  Buying a home that isn't perfect and makes you think about renovations before you even move in can add more than you were thinking of spending on renovations after the fact.  Sometimes its just worth looking until you find the house that fits you rather than trying to make one fit you.  However, most of us know when you walk in if its the right home, regardless of a few changes.

My personal parting advice to you is this:  buy what you love, change what you can afford but know what your options are before you commit.