According to Remodeling Consultants, a Stamford Design Build Remodeling Company, there are many cases when a homeowner comes up with an idea for a home renovation or remodel it requires a structural remodel. This may occur because of a fire, storm damage, old age, or in most cases, just to improve the home. These types of larger scale remodels add value to the home in many ways. It can increase livable space, create more light, and increase enjoyment. It also may provide a nice return on investment. Let’s learn more about structural remodels and how they can benefit homeowners in Westchester and Fairfield counties.
Types of Structural Remodels
There are a few types of remodeling jobs that require a restructuring of the home. Any new project that requires changing, adding, or re-supporting the load bearing elements that make up your house is considered a Structural Remodel. These elements include load bearing walls, additions or supports for foundations, posts, beams, and columns.
Why Stress Load Bearing Elements in the Home?
In the Northeast our homes are engineered, designed, built, and inspected to ensure the safety of the inhabitants. Walls, ceilings, attics, and floors have to be properly designed to withstand the elements. They also are built to spec for the weight of the additional floors above as well. In Westchester County and Fairfield County we see our fair share of heavy wet snow. That means considerations need be made when building a home, and when remodeling, we may need to reevaluate the load bearing elements to ensure safety.
When adding new areas to the home or opening up walls, a designer and builder will need to consider of the new floor is going to be fully furnished and inhabitable, if there is a new bathroom or kitchen, and what the weight increase will do to the existing load bearing structures.
What you, your Architect, Engineer, and Builder Should Consider
Making the right choice of builders is paramount to a successful larger scale home remodel. The right remodeling company should be well versed and connected with the areas building codes, inspectors, material providers, and have an experienced team to complete this type of project. The risks of hiring the wrong co many because of price, or because you want to assemble your own team could be devastating. A poorly planned and executed project could result in cracked floors, walls and ceilings, as well as difficult to open windows and doors. If the remodeler does not evaluate the foundation, it could result in serious damage that in the worst scenarios may lead to fire, flooding or collapse. Choosing a licensed, experienced home remodeler is the most important decision you have.
What Else to Consider with a Structural Remodel
Permits and Paperwork
All new construction will require a permit. The permits are given according to code and the type of construction required to accomplish the remodeling project. These codes are there to protect you and the public from catastrophes and also document the work done for future owners and builders. Obtaining these permits could require sitting in on an architectural review, submitting paperwork, and filling out forms. A good remodeling company will not only do this for you, but be able to expedite the process by knowing who, where, and how to get the required paperwork completed. If you do not know what documentation to provide, this process can take as long or even longer than the actual construction. Learn more.
Who Needs a Structural Remodel?
When a homeowner plans a remodeling project that either repairs, relocates, or strengthens a load bearing element it will require a professional builders.
Repairs after Damage or Time
Over time walls can warp due to struts and supports aging or rotting from water damage or poor and inadequate building materials. This can cause windows and doors to become un-true and make then difficult to operate. In areas where we see freezing and thawing like here in the metro NY area thesis types of problem occur often. However, a good remodeler can repair, improve and maintain the historical elements of a home when desired. This also presents opportunities to modernize and add more comforts such as outlets, new windows, skylights, and many other desirable additions to the home.
Structural Remodeling not Related to Repairs
Improving your home can require some structural support remodels. Here are a few of the most common.
- Larger windows, bay windows, and skylights
- Open concept living areas
- New rooms such as living areas and storage
- Design reconfigurations such as moving a kitchen or bath
- Energy efficiency projects like insulation, solar and geothermal
The best remodeling projects not only improve your quality of life, but also provide a positive return on your investment. The experts at Remodeling Consultants can help you plan and navigate your home remodel in the most timely and cost effective way. With almost 60 years of experience and a dedicated in-house team of tradesmen you be rest assured that your home and well-being are in good hands.
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