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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Not sure of the timing for our extension
We originally wanted to do the extension (blow up the back of our DR into the backyard) in the Spring and well are redoing the whole siding, windows and roof. Then DH said to wait until the Fall because he wanted to see houses for sale this Spring just to make sure we should stay vs. buy another house.
At this point, we are pretty sure we are statying. I just can't deal with the hassle of selling this house, then finding another house, moving, etc... DH agreed. We just don't have the energy.
We are going to finance most of it ourself. From tax return, me working extra,etc... then get the balance from a loan.
So now that we decided to really stay in the house, we could technically do it again in the Spring.
Dilema: WWYD?
1/ Do it in the Spring. We will have DS' backyard birthday party late June. I don't want a leftover mess from the construction so I will have to invest more $$$ to get everything finished before the party (house painting, landscaping redone with lawn and new patio area). Which means less $$$ (I had planned to work more hours to get the extra $$) vs waiting until the Fall. But it will be done and over with asap.
2/ Wait until the Fall. Make a few extra bucks. Enjoy the house/yard as it is and just wait a few more months. But no landscaping, etc.. until the next Spring (2012).
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Posted 2/14/11 9:05 AM  |
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MetsGirl07
LIF O2 Vendor
Member since 12/07 16202 total posts
Name:
Deanna
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
we did our dormer in the spring.. but with my situation we needed it asap with the twins..they had no bedroom
in your situation... i say the fall !!
just enjoy the spring and summer.. leave everything the way it is.. save more money !!
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| Posted 2/14/11 10:03 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Do you have the plans done for your extension already? If not - it may make your decision for you.
We are redormering and were looking into doing an extention (decided just to redormer).
We started meeting with people in August, got serious in October, and wouldn't have been able to start before 2/1 with getting all of our ducks in a row (the plans, we needed a variance, etc).
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| Posted 2/14/11 10:46 AM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
I'd wait and I think I have said in the past that you might make out better selling/moving vs. dormer.
Levittown values right now are fluctuating bigtime. I highly doubt you will recoup the majority of your investment in a dormer. If you have no issues losing $$$$ in equity/renovations and absolutely love your neighborhood, thats fine. But again... that's just my two cents.
I was faced with the same dilemma you were in. Loved my area. Loved my neighbors. Wanted a larger house. I moved because I didn't want to lose a major portion of my dormer money.
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| Posted 2/14/11 1:07 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by smdl
I just can't deal with the hassle of selling this house, then finding another house, moving, etc... DH agreed. We just don't have the energy.
Also let me add from my experience. It will take way more energy living through a major construction vs. moving.
Doing major renovations equals LOTS of stress. You have to constantly be on the contractor's toes to make sure things are getting done right.
Ask anyone that has had major work done. I have been lucky since my contractor is actually doing the right thing and not jerking me around. But there are others out there that has had much worse experiences.
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| Posted 2/14/11 1:10 PM |
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danielleandscott
My new 71 Super Beetle
Member since 5/05 13476 total posts
Name:
Scott
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
I will tell you the truth - and Danielle and I feel the same way about this - If we had to do the Dormer all over again, we wouldnt. We would of kept looking for a house and moved when we found the right one.
Now that it is done - 1 year later we love it but I would never want to have to deal with that stress and aggrivation again. I know that not everyone would go through the issues that we had with our contractor and most of the other people that we had working on our house, and I have a list of companies that I wouldnt recommend to anyone.
We signed the contract in August, put in the plans and waited 13 weeks for the Permit - They started Demo on December 9th and nothing went smoothly from there.
If you were going to do it after completely making up your mind, I would wait.
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| Posted 2/14/11 1:13 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
We are not dormering! We know it's not worth it on this house.
We are extending our LR into the backyard. Adding a 14x20 room so we can create a DR where the LR is. The construction was quoted for 6-8 weeks. Not sure how much it would take for the siding, roof and all windows but it would part of the same project.
ETA: yes, it would be a mess for a while. But I would have to remodel any house we buy. Especially bathrooms in most houses we looked at in our budget.
Message edited 2/14/2011 1:28:49 PM.
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| Posted 2/14/11 1:26 PM |
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Rycois
Blessed with 2blue/2pink
Member since 12/05 13341 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Personally, if you're SURE you aren't going to move I would start now. Permits alone will take about 8 wks.
But I would be prepared to do DS's party out. The aftermath of construction is stressful and it's hard to predict how long it will REALLY take. To me, it's not worth the additional stress.
I wanted my project done before my 2nd child and he was about 6 wks old when they finished. We still haven't finished small projects (painting closet doors, etc. ) and he is now 15 months  and we'll be starting the new project whenever it warms up!
Message edited 2/14/2011 1:38:12 PM.
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| Posted 2/14/11 1:35 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by SweetCaroline
Personally, if you're SURE you aren't going to move I would start now. Permits alone will take about 8 wks.
But I would be prepared to do DS's party out. The aftermath of construction is stressful and it's hard to predict how long it will REALLY take. To me, it's not worth the additional stress.
I wanted my project done before my 2nd child and he was about 6 wks old when they finished. We still haven't finished small projects (painting closet doors, etc. ) and he is now 15 months and we'll be starting the new project whenever it warms up!
So start now the process but really do the extension in the Fall or after the party?
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| Posted 2/14/11 1:51 PM |
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lbelle821
Arghhhhh
Member since 2/06 5285 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
I agree with the advice to start the process as soon you can. Permits take time and if you need variances that will take even longer.
We signed our contract I think summer of 2009 and still have not broken ground. Variances just got approved last month.
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| Posted 2/14/11 2:13 PM |
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Rycois
Blessed with 2blue/2pink
Member since 12/05 13341 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by smdl
Posted by SweetCaroline
Personally, if you're SURE you aren't going to move I would start now. Permits alone will take about 8 wks.
But I would be prepared to do DS's party out. The aftermath of construction is stressful and it's hard to predict how long it will REALLY take. To me, it's not worth the additional stress.
I wanted my project done before my 2nd child and he was about 6 wks old when they finished. We still haven't finished small projects (painting closet doors, etc. ) and he is now 15 months and we'll be starting the new project whenever it warms up!
So start now the process but really do the extension in the Fall or after the party?
I would start the process and start the renovation as soon as you can, and plan on DS's party elsewhere.
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| Posted 2/14/11 2:17 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
An extension is going to take longer than 6-8 weeks. Probably closer to 12 weeks.
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| Posted 2/14/11 2:38 PM |
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Rycois
Blessed with 2blue/2pink
Member since 12/05 13341 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by ave1024
An extension is going to take longer than 6-8 weeks. Probably closer to 12 weeks.
I think 6-8 wks is a reasonable time frame once work gets started.
We had our dormer done in under 10wks.
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| Posted 2/14/11 2:46 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by SweetCaroline
Posted by ave1024
An extension is going to take longer than 6-8 weeks. Probably closer to 12 weeks.
I think 6-8 wks is a reasonable time frame once work gets started.
We had our dormer done in under 10wks.
Believe it or not most contractors will tell you Dormers are easier to build than extensions.
With an extension, you have an additional step of pouring and extending the foundation as well as dealing with the town and waiting for a footing inspection.
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| Posted 2/14/11 4:00 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by ave1024
Posted by SweetCaroline
Posted by ave1024
An extension is going to take longer than 6-8 weeks. Probably closer to 12 weeks.
I think 6-8 wks is a reasonable time frame once work gets started.
We had our dormer done in under 10wks.
Believe it or not most contractors will tell you Dormers are easier to build than extensions.
With an extension, you have an additional step of pouring and extending the foundation as well as dealing with the town and waiting for a footing inspection.
She used the same contractor before so she knows them.
It's a slab. Very "easy" box extension. I don't anticipate much issues with it. Pretty straight forwards. I anticipate more issues from redoing the siding and finding out what's under.
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| Posted 2/14/11 4:03 PM |
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Rycois
Blessed with 2blue/2pink
Member since 12/05 13341 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by ave1024
Posted by SweetCaroline
Posted by ave1024
An extension is going to take longer than 6-8 weeks. Probably closer to 12 weeks.
I think 6-8 wks is a reasonable time frame once work gets started.
We had our dormer done in under 10wks.
Believe it or not most contractors will tell you Dormers are easier to build than extensions.
With an extension, you have an additional step of pouring and extending the foundation as well as dealing with the town and waiting for a footing inspection.
I hope not! We are using the same contractors for her (did our dormer too) and were told 4-6 wks for a 300 sq ft extension.
Sophie, we're starting as soon as it warms up so I'll let you know how long it takes!
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| Posted 2/14/11 4:03 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by SweetCaroline
Posted by ave1024
Posted by SweetCaroline
Posted by ave1024
An extension is going to take longer than 6-8 weeks. Probably closer to 12 weeks.
I think 6-8 wks is a reasonable time frame once work gets started.
We had our dormer done in under 10wks.
Believe it or not most contractors will tell you Dormers are easier to build than extensions.
With an extension, you have an additional step of pouring and extending the foundation as well as dealing with the town and waiting for a footing inspection.
I hope not! We are using the same contractors for her (did our dormer too) and were told 4-6 wks for a 300 sq ft extension.
Sophie, we're starting as soon as it warms up so I'll let you know how long it takes!
You are doing the same extension as mine, right? Did you decide on the size.
He told us 6-8 weeks because we are redoing all the windows, roof and siding too.
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| Posted 2/14/11 4:16 PM |
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Rycois
Blessed with 2blue/2pink
Member since 12/05 13341 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Mine is going to be 19x15 I believe.
Permit was approved in December but obviously it has to be warm to pour the cement.
We aren't doing anything but this room/extension for this project so hopefully it will be on the 6 wk mark!
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| Posted 2/14/11 4:19 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
I guess we will start all the paperwork soon and do it asap this Summer. That way it can be pushed out if we need it too.
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| Posted 2/14/11 4:24 PM |
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danielleandscott
My new 71 Super Beetle
Member since 5/05 13476 total posts
Name:
Scott
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Keep in mind that your taxes are going to go up a lot because you are increasing the footing of the home. When you dormer and you build on an existing home the taxes will go up but not as much as if you are extending.
U are in Levittown right? I am assuming you have a ranch, because those homes didnt have a dining room. Its a good idea to extend the house, but I would look around at some open houses first to see if it is worth it. In the market now it may be worth it to sell, even if you take a loss and buy a different house because the prices are so low now and a buyer can get a lot for their money.
Scott
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| Posted 2/14/11 11:42 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by danielleandscott
Keep in mind that your taxes are going to go up a lot because you are increasing the footing of the home. When you dormer and you build on an existing home the taxes will go up but not as much as if you are extending.
U are in Levittown right? I am assuming you have a ranch, because those homes didnt have a dining room. Its a good idea to extend the house, but I would look around at some open houses first to see if it is worth it. In the market now it may be worth it to sell, even if you take a loss and buy a different house because the prices are so low now and a buyer can get a lot for their money.
Scott
We are in Hicksville. Just at the border of Levittown. We have a Levitt house indeed but a big lot 90x110 for the area. Levittown's taxes are higher than ours.
We looked at other houses around us (all Levitt houses around us). We love our location. The houses with the extension that we looked at would cost more than us doing the extension ourselves. Then add closing costs, moving costs, etc.. Not counting that we just redid our bathrooms last year and we would have to remodel all the houses we saw that would be in the budget to compare to our house. Yes, we are not worried about selling low because if we buy low also it washes out but it's still cheaper for us to do the extension.
I am sure we can find "cheaper" houses but the location is very important to us. And for right now, we need to stay in our SD. There is only 1 other area we started looking at that would be just as good as a location. But the prices are higher also because the houses have a basement and DR.
Message edited 2/15/2011 7:55:54 AM.
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| Posted 2/15/11 7:54 AM |
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charon54
My two boys!
Member since 5/05 7279 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Posted by smdl
Posted by danielleandscott
Keep in mind that your taxes are going to go up a lot because you are increasing the footing of the home. When you dormer and you build on an existing home the taxes will go up but not as much as if you are extending.
U are in Levittown right? I am assuming you have a ranch, because those homes didnt have a dining room. Its a good idea to extend the house, but I would look around at some open houses first to see if it is worth it. In the market now it may be worth it to sell, even if you take a loss and buy a different house because the prices are so low now and a buyer can get a lot for their money.
Scott
We are in Hicksville. Just at the border of Levittown. We have a Levitt house indeed but a big lot 90x110 for the area. Levittown's taxes are higher than ours.
We looked at other houses around us (all Levitt houses around us). We love our location. The houses with the extension that we looked at would cost more than us doing the extension ourselves. Then add closing costs, moving costs, etc.. Not counting that we just redid our bathrooms last year and we would have to remodel all the houses we saw that would be in the budget to compare to our house. Yes, we are not worried about selling low because if we buy low also it washes out but it's still cheaper for us to do the extension.
I am sure we can find "cheaper" houses but the location is very important to us. And for right now, we need to stay in our SD. There is only 1 other area we started looking at that would be just as good as a location. But the prices are higher also because the houses have a basement and DR.
We are in the same boat. We had our Levitt house on the market in the summer of 2009. We actually had a bid on our house, had a bid in on another house and our contract fell through. As it was, we were selling at a loss and compromising on the house we were buying so we decided not to keep the house on the market (I was very pregnant at the time).
Now, we are putting in an extension on the back of our house. We really like our house and the location, we just need more bedrooms with DS #2 on the way. We are expanding off the back of the house, adding two more bedrooms. It's cheaper than a dormer and less intrusive in terms of us living here during construction. We just put down the initial deposit and are in the process of filing for permits. We are hoping to start construction in mid-March to be finished by June when DS arrives!
Good luck either way!
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| Posted 2/17/11 11:56 AM |
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Mrs213
????????
Member since 2/09 18986 total posts
Name:
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
I'd say wait until fall
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| Posted 2/17/11 12:15 PM |
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lullabella
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 2246 total posts
Name:
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Re: Not sure of the timing for our extension
Personally I would not rush a big investment like this just to have a birthday party. So I would wait until the fall. Also renovations are always more than you initially anticipate so if you need extra money it would be better to postpone anyway.
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| Posted 2/17/11 12:38 PM |
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