Are you thinking about taking on a full gut home renovation? This blog will help you understand what that means and whether it’s your right decision.
What is a Full Gut Renovation?
In older homes, many renovations have traditionally involved building on top of previous alterations, resulting in aesthetically pleasing homes. Looks are nice, but at Bakerhill, we firmly believe what’s on the inside counts!
A full gut renovation is more than just a cosmetic overhaul; it involves stripping your home to its core and exposing hidden flaws. Revealing these sins behind the walls can be scary, and correcting the issues can be more expensive.
But trust that in the long run, a full-gut renovation completed by certified experts means you enjoy living in a safe, efficient, and reliable home. While it may seem daunting, a full gut renovation offers benefits beyond a beautiful facade. It creates a home that can withstand the test of time, granting homeowners the peace of mind they deserve.
Pros and Cons of Full Gut Renovations
- Peace of mind about what’s behind walls
- Easier upgrades and layout changes
- Increase in property value
- Typically more costly
- Longer timeframe
- Temporary alternative living arrangements
The Truth Behind the Walls
A full gut renovation involves removing everything from the interior, leaving only the structural components like studs and exterior walls (though sometimes, we move these too!). This is essential for identifying and rectifying potential hazards lurking within your home.
When we open walls, we often find buried electrical junction boxes, poorly vented or improperly sloped plumbing drains, unsafe structural modifications, and inadequate insulation. These hidden issues can compromise your home’s safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
Bringing Everything Up to Code
One of the primary advantages of a full gut renovation is the opportunity to bring your home up to current building codes and standards.
Outdated electrical and plumbing systems can pose significant safety risks, and insufficient insulation can lead to energy inefficiency, higher utility bills and unpleasant drafts. You can rectify these issues when you embark on a full gut renovation.
Unlocking the Potential for Modern Upgrades
Beyond addressing safety concerns and code compliance, a full gut renovation offers the chance to incorporate modern upgrades and innovations.
These include hydronic in-floor heating, energy-efficient heat pumps, and state-of-the-art insulation solutions like spray foam that create a continuous air barrier.
You can also modify the layout of your home to better align with your lifestyle and how you use the space. When you start with a clean slate, the possibilities are endless, so dream big!
Investing in the Future
While full gut renovations may come with a higher initial price tag, they are a smart investment for homeowners who love their houses and plan to stay in the long term.
Not only does it ensure the safety and comfort of your living space, but it also enhances the resale value of your home. Prospective buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a home with modern amenities, structural integrity and no costly unknowns behind the walls.
How Bakerhill is Different
Owning the project from start to finish
Though it might be tempting to get multiple quotes and hire separate companies for each piece of the project to save a dollar, it may impact the overall success of your home renovation.
When it comes to continuity of work, scheduling, ordering supplies and aesthetics, it’s always a better route to choose a contractor who can complete the job from A to Z. Working with a contractor like Bakerhill that’s responsible for the entire project means that every stage is done with consideration for the next phase.
Our Trustworthy Team Does It All
At Bakerhill, we take pride in performing much of our work internally, using our dedicated team of Bakerhill employees rather than outsourcing to external sub-trades. This approach allows us to maintain greater control over the quality, timelines, and budget throughout your renovation project.
We help you navigate the renovation every step of the way – from pre-planning, budgeting, and permit processing to construction. It also means you’ll recognize familiar faces on the project site, which is an immense comfort for you during what can be a hectic chapter in the life of your home.
Conclusion
A full gut renovation is more than just a cosmetic facelift. It invests in your home’s safety, comfort, and longevity. It’s a chance to address hidden issues, bring your home up to current standards, and embrace modern upgrades.
If you have an older home needing a 21st-century makeover, consulting with a reputable contractor is the crucial first step toward transforming your house into a space you can enjoy for years. Contact us today to get started.
