1st time remodel HELP!

[MrsAxilla]

So we’ve decided to remodel and stay where we are and ww want to take the plunge now while both kiddos are at home and we all can enjoy.  But where the hell do I start??

We have a 1970’s trilevel with a basement; five bedrooms; one full bath; two 3/4s (the “master” has a 3/4 😱).  Three bedrooms on the top floor - both kids and the pathetic “master”.  Two larger bedrooms on the garden level with a 3/4 bathroom and laundry room separating them.

We want to move one or both kids downstairs (perhaps create a jack and Jill bathroom) and create a “master suite” upstairs (full bath and walk in closet).  We want to know our options and what’s possible.  Who do we call first??  An architect, a general contractor, Love it or List it?  All beginner’s advice welcome!

[aprilsails]

Since you are considering pretty significant layout modifications and don’t really seem to have a firm concept to start with, I would talk to a residential architect or an interior designer first. They will be able to give you alternate layouts with estimated pricing that will work within the structural limits of your home. Once you’ve hammered out exactly what it is that you want then you can take that layout to contractors for pricing.

I am a little curious as to what sizes your bedrooms are on the second floor. Transitioning the entire space into a primary suite may be a bit too much room and might hurt resale to take the house from a 5 bedroom to a 3 bedroom. I would suggest, considering our current times, that you reserve one small room on the second floor as an office or small guest room.

Also is this your forever home? Do you envision retiring there or having any mobility issues? It is far more common in new builds to do the primary suite on the ground floor, and then to have children’s and guest rooms upstairs. This allows for more longevity in the home. Could you convert the two downstairs bedrooms into a primary suite with an upgraded bath?

[aprilsails]

Disregard my last comment. I see that it is a trilevel so stairs are a problem no matter which way you go.

[winecat]

Primary bed and primary bath are the terms that people are using to replace "master."

I agree with interviewing residential architects and finding one to work with first who can help you develop your vision into plans.

[simpsongal]

You might want to try a design build firm too. depending on how drastic your changes, a design build can give some ideas about moving walls and plumbing too. Also, talk to neighbors and folks with similar floor plans. Maybe you can get a peek at options or rule others out.

I think we paid $7k for our architect and permits for our modest addition.

Good luck! This board is a good resource too

[dr.girlfriend]

Jul 31, 2021 17:37:36 GMT -5 winecat said:

Primary bed and primary bath are the terms that people are using to replace "master."

I agree with interviewing residential architects and finding one to work with first who can help you develop your vision into plans.

Good tip! 

We found a contractor we liked, and then used his recommendation for architects.  Have you gotten quotes?  I can understand going around a little on where to start, but making the definitive decision to renovate rather than move to me only makes sense once you have a rough estimate of how much the renovations would cost.  

[bittybomb]

Aug 1, 2021 15:19:15 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

Jul 31, 2021 17:37:36 GMT -5 winecat said:

Primary bed and primary bath are the terms that people are using to replace "master."

I agree with interviewing residential architects and finding one to work with first who can help you develop your vision into plans.

Good tip! 

We found a contractor we liked, and then used his recommendation for architects.  Have you gotten quotes?  I can understand going around a little on where to start, but making the definitive decision to renovate rather than move to me only makes sense once you have a rough estimate of how much the renovations would cost.  

We did this too.  Our contractor had significant experience, and that was the reason why we went with him over several other choices for a gut reno of our 1912 colonial.  We were also adding an addition, and making significant changes to the layout.  When we first met with him, I liked the ideas he was spitballing (and was less than impressed with most of the others we interviewed).  It was important to me we kept with the character of the house and he understood that.  I trusted his recommendation for an architect and after a brief meeting to make sure we didn't despise him, we used him.  It was great they had such a good working relationship, too.

[Susie]

I can completely get my head around the fact that anyone who is planning a relatively large scale renovation is probably frustrated with aspects of their current space, but I am stuck on the comments about the "pathetic" master and "the “master” has a 3/4 😱."  Wanting to improve your home or make it work better for you is great!  But being all 😱 about a primary bath that's less than full is pretty extra.  

About a month ago we sold a house we'd lived in for 13 years, that had 1.5 bath for the whole family.  It was a 4 bedroom house.  If a 3/4 en suite bath is 😱, I can't imagine what you'd call that! 

Then the house we bought currently has 2.5 baths with a full primary bath, but it's dated, the tub is small, and doesn't really fit an adult.  We're planning to reno it, and since a soaking tub won't fit, we're just going to do a really nice shower and turn it into a 3/4 bath.  We'll have one full bath, one 3/4, and one half on the main floor.  Pathetic!

I don't really care what the internet thinks about my house, because I'm the one that pays the mortgage and lives there.  All I'm saying is maybe you might get more good advice if you don't insult the homes of everyone who lives less luxuriously than you do or want to.

[ellipses84]

I’d suggest talking to a design-build firm that does residential renovations. They will likely have a designer / architect on staff or have a short list of ones they like to work with. You can look at all their websites / example work / portfolios to see if you like their style and craftsmanship. The benefit is that it’s a one stop stop and they can provide good estimates throughout the whole process.