A kitchen renovation on Longboat Key with stunning results by local architect, Jonathan Parks AIA.
Home renovations are on the rise in Sarasota. With families spending a great deal more time at home in 2020 and into 2021, people have been rethinking their living situation. An online home remodeling platform, Houzz, reported a 58% annual increase in project remodeling leads in mid-2020, with outdoor spaces seeing the biggest increase in demand. Homeowners are considering where and how they perform their daily tasks and the things they can do to improve upon them. However, before you embark on a home remodeling project, there are a few things to consider.
Understanding costs and setting a budget
It’s important to get a true understanding of pricing at the start. The average cost of a home remodel in 2020 was $46,755, according to HomeAdvisor. This number however may be misleading as it may only consider projects completed one or two at a time. For those looking to gut and remodel a home, HomeAdvisor’s data estimates most remodels in 2020 were between $100,000 and $200,000. However, the price in Sarasota may easily be more than the national average since the hurricane codes and waterfront considerations generally means building more substantial structures. The final number will be impacted by the home’s age, size, location, room, materials, and labor. And most jobs will cost more and take longer than you expect. It’s a good idea to add an additional 20% contingency to what you think your project will total.
For major renovations, understand the 50% Rule
The FEMA 50% rule applies to homes where the lowest floor is below the 100-year flood elevation. This rule does not apply to homes in an “X” or “D” zone but in all other flood zones, it requires any building or structure improved, damaged or repaired 50 percent or more than the value of the building or structure to be brought up to Florida Building Code standards, including any FEMA or elevation requirements. You can learn more about the rule in Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota, Manatee County, and Bradenton.
Hire a designer from the start
It’s one thing if you are resurfacing a driveway, putting on a new roof, or painting the walls. But if your renovation is more complex – a significant remodel or room addition, then it’s a smart idea to work with an architect or interior designer. If you are going to spend a good amount of money to improve your home, then a design professional can help you do it the right way. They will typically charge a 10% fee and this is a small sum compared to your total payout. There are a number of highly qualified design professionals in Sarasota and Manatee counties – which I can connect you with. Be sure to do your research before hiring one.
Finding the right contractor
It is very important to hire a local, experienced contractor or builder. This person will understand the best construction practices for our Gulf Coast region. They will also have the resources to complete your project in a timely manner. Getting recommendations from friends, family, or your Sarasota Realtor is key to starting off on the right foot. Be sure to interview several. Find out whether they take on projects of your size, whether they will provide references and a list of previous clients, and how many projects they have going on at the same time. It’s also important that you have good chemistry and communicate well. When you have a short list of contractors, ask for each of them to provide you with a bid – which you can compare based on cost of materials, labor, profit margins, and other expenses. But don’t let price be your guide – it’s better to spend more and get someone you are comfortable with hiring.
Set up a realistic timeline
A good renovation timeline can help you determine what needs to happen when – so that everything is completed in a logical order. First, pick a start date, or work backwards from the date you wish to have it completed. Site down with your contractor to determine the length of time each part of the project will take. Be sure to include the time it takes to clean out the project area, allow for shipping and delivery of materials, and account for any holidays your contractors may take off. In the summer months in Sarasota, rain and inclement weather can also be cause for delay. Expect to add some extra days (or weeks) of wiggle room to the end of the timeline. Then, take it a step further and confirm with other project team members whether the timeline is realistic.
If you want to learn more about doing renovations in Sarasota, working with local design professionals, or hiring the right general contractor, then contact me.