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The time and
energy you invest in research and planning in the beginning will
save you money later and help ensure the results you want.
Step One:
Define the Scope of Work
In a renovation project, defining your needs starts with distinguishing
between your "must haves" and your "wants".
Depending on
the condition of your sacred place, the list of "must haves"
(what is necessary to bring the house up to code) may include items
such as new roofing, plumbing, wiring, weatherboards and paint.
Your bank may require these repairs and listing them may be pretty
straightforward.
But developing
your list of "wants" (items that will enhance your enjoyment
of the sacred place) may be more complicated. What are your goals?
More space? Up-dated baths? Re-finished floors and a reconfigured
floor plan? Do you wish to remedy earlier "renovations"?
Ultimately, your budget will determine how many of the "wants"
are possible after the "must haves" are satisfied.
Step Two:
Research Regulations
Building codes and zoning regulations limit what you can do
with your sacred place. And if your building is located in a local
historic district, is a local landmark or has certain types of deed
restrictions, your project must conform to additional layer of regulations.
Having an understanding of what is allowed or required for your
property before you get started will save you dollars and frustration
in the future.
Call the Denver
Planning off ice for your local landmark information: 720-865-2915
www.denvergov.org
Step Three:
Hire a Pro
Although some people think of architects and contractors as
luxuries, Sacred Landmarks Preservation recommends them as "must have" for
a successful renovation project. We have lamented with many a building
who expected to save money by forgoing the services of an architect
or contractor, but instead spent far more than budgeted for an inferior
product. Hiring an architect for planning the work and a contractor
to execute the plans eliminates many of the pitfalls and risks of
tackling the renovation of an old structure.
Architects
are invaluable in the planning stage of the project. They can:
- Help you
navigate existing codes and regulations.
- Help you
plan your project in order to avoid expensive changes when construction
is in progress.
- Generate
drawings that serve as the basis for the contractors' bids, making
it simpler to compare them.
- Generate
construction drawings that communicate to the contractor what
should be built and with what materials, reducing the chance of
disappointing, expensive and time-consuming miscommunications.
- Act as construction
manager, an important liaison between you and the contractor.
- Ensure that
the appearance and function of your renovated sacred place both
enhance its market value and preserve its historic character.
Finally, depending
on the scope of work, City regulations may require a set of plans
stamped by a professional architect (or engineer).
Professional
contractors are critical to the success of the construction phase
of your project. They can:
- Ensure that
your project starts and ends in a timely manner, something that
may prove impossible if you tackle the project yourself.
- Have access
to quality materials at lower-than-retail prices because of volume
purchases.
- Have access
to experienced labor and subcontractors who you may have to wait
months to get.
- Save you
time, energy, and frustration by obtaining necessary permits,
arranging for inspections, and handling items like social security,
workman's compensation, and other local, state and federal regulations
for laborers.
- Assume the
liability for injuries or damages incurred by having the appropriate
insurance.
- Choreograph
the scheduling of various subcontractors to avoid costly delays.
- Catch small
mistakes before they become large and expensive
Finally, some
lenders require that you hire a contractor, for all of the above
reasons.
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