An appropriate comparison for remodeling is spelunking. You never know what awaits you until you go in and explore. You go in hoping to discover a crystal cavern but more than likely; it will be a shit sandwich of mouse-dropping, guano, and organic material in varying levels of decline. Your thought through your plan; the execution is spot on, you open walls, and 'Poof' your plan is figuratively, and quite literally, out the window. Issues are not solely age-related as previously unknown mechanicals, structural, or unusual conditions can waylay the best plan. If you were curious about the difference between new construction and remodeling, hidden unknowns top the list.
New construction starts with a clean slate where design/build features can be incorporated and planned for from the beginning. Far from a rainbows and unicorns experience, new builds tend to have fewer surprises. However, renovations require you to break a few eggs before you make the omelet, and gremlins hiding behind 30 layers of paint, wallpaper, and crumbling plaster can quickly derail your plan. The first step is to lay bare the skill set of every tradesman to work on your dream house. I have worked on enough century + old homes to know the mindset that "they don't build things like they used to" can be an illusion. What made sense in the original build or some subsequent modification now becomes an obstacle in your redesign. Such hurdles have the potential to impact not only the direction of the final build but also significantly increase the project costs.
Renovations rarely match neat and concise Pinterest boards or architectural dream concepts. Open and free-flowing living spaces may not be realistic options in many existing homes where obstacles and unmovable obstructions interject themselves into the equation. When the unanticipated rears its ugly head, math becomes physics. A body (or process) in motion wants to stay in motion, in a straight line, potentially plowing straight through your budget. This may not be a problem if you have unlimited funds, as deep pockets resolve many issues, including the expanding scope of work. If your paradigm is that money is no object, then full steam ahead, but the goal of this blog is to assist with alternatives to the "Bigger Check" solution. This is where expectations meet reality, and how do you respond to the unexpected?
The first step is to be prepared. The only thing certain about renovations is that there will be changes. Whether you are qualified or not or have hired someone to oversee the job, you control the purse strings and ultimately control the project. Whether you perceive the twists and turns of remodeling as obstacles or opportunities will dictate your decision-making process. This will play out in the team you put together. Whether you have a designer and/or architect, your contractor will be the pivotal player.
Almost any contractor with a circular saw, hammer, and pickup can construct a four-sided box with a roof. Next-tier skills are required to remodel when imagination and creativity are needed. The ability to adapt and adjust is essential in handling many remodeling issues, and you will need to find a contractor who can walk and chew gum simultaneously. If change is only another word for "Work Authorization," you need different team member options. Whether your "Opportunity' is an unexpected hurdle or a potential buildout enhancement, the ability to think outside the box can turn either into a win. Sometimes, it's a big win in style, character, and functionality.
Obstacles do not always need to be moved or terminated. There may be substantial cost savings in plan modification where rehab dollars, once dedicated to a non-starter rehab plan, can fund an upgrade you will later find is something you cannot live without. Novel approaches to dealing with barriers can create visual as well as innovative functional uses for making personal statements. High-end finishes on the obstruction can do more to enhance a room than straightforward removal would. Do not be afraid of nooks, hidden rooms, odd and unused storage space solutions, sequestered areas, or the option of utilizing space for a unique purpose. Each challenge has distinctive solutions, as there is no one-size-fits-all resolution.
Surrounding yourself with individuals who embrace challenges and the bandwidth derived from years of experience is a solid foundation for a successful renovation. When the time comes to determine options, you have taped into an invaluable resource well beyond the technical skills they bring to the table. This applies not only to what is possible but to what is not. This is a process of brainstorming and matching your rehab solution with needs, budget, and expectations.
A few solutions I have been involved in are hidden safe rooms, circular turrets in an unusual bathroom, abandoned basement access as a wine cellar, odd spaces as pet washing stations, and unique storage solutions. Do not fear what is lurking in the dark. No matter the annoying feature you find buried, a life-enhancing solution is somewhere on the radar. Perhaps the window your dream evaporated through would serve better as a door. Your choice is one you will live with for a long time, so thought and careful consideration of options can pay dividends for years.