A Designer’s Guide to House Hunting ~ Part III
Welcome to Part III (the final) of our Designer's Guide to House Hunting!
We’ll dive into what exactly ‘good bones’ means, the value of a second opinion and how to leverage industry experts on your house hunting journey.
What does “great bones” really mean?
When it comes to the interior, there are things to look out for and things that are on the easier end of the spectrum to change. You may often hear people say, "This house has great bones", and wonder to yourself, "What does that mean?"
The bones of your house are the structural elements that create the layout of the space.
There can be walls in awkward spots and bad bathroom layouts, but if the bones are there, the possibilities are endless.
For example, ceiling height - with high ceilings, you will feel the house is more open, airy and spacious. Is the house a bungalow or a narrow and tall house? Is there “flow” through the house and what will function best for your life? Do the rooms have closets and windows? Are there bathrooms on each floor - and how many? Do you care about having a basement? Is there room to grow?
In Grace Street Victorian, the “bones” were there:
The house was a century home - a semi-detached red brick Victorian. Its lot was 20' wide by just over 100' deep, at the top of Trinity Bellwoods Park, straddling Little Italy and Queen West. The house faced East/West (aka great light), and it had incredible ceiling height on all floors.
Grace Street Victorian Kitchen Before
Grace Street Victorian Kitchen After
Image by Patrick Biller
As a corollary, look past the cosmetic stuff (unattractive paint colours/wallpaper, old fixtures in the kitchen or bathrooms, even bad furniture or artwork, etc.) that’s easily fixable.
Phone a Friend
Do you have a friend who is a contractor, a designer or an architect? Even someone who has done multiple home renovations? Getting a second opinion—or even hiring the team you want to use on whatever home you get—can be a great asset in the search.
Getting real-life feedback from people in the industry can help you avoid certain pitfalls and help you price your offer right. And if you don’t have someone - hopefully this article can help you be more discerning!
The Value of a Second Opinion
Expert Insight
Contractors, designers, and architects possess a deep understanding of home construction and design. They can identify potential issues that might not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye, and they can visualize the many ways to improve the space! For example, a contractor might notice structural concerns, while a designer could see possibilities for improving a home's layout.
Realistic Renovation Costs
If you’re considering a fixer-upper or a home that needs some updating, these professionals can provide realistic estimates for the work required. This helps you budget accurately and avoid overpaying for a property that requires more investment than anticipated.
Future-Proofing Your Purchase
These professionals can also offer insights into how a home can be adapted to meet your future needs, whether that means accommodating a growing family or adding features to increase resale value. They can help you envision the long-term potential of a property.
How to Leverage Industry Experts
Get Referrals
If you already know contractors, designers, or architects through friends or family, ask for their help in evaluating potential homes. Personal connections can often yield honest, helpful advice.
Hire for Consultations
Consider hiring a professional for a consultation during your house-hunting process. This might involve a walk-through of prospective homes to identify any red flags or opportunities. The fee for this service is really nominal when you think about the kind of investment you’re about to make, and can be a really worthwhile tradeoff compared to the savings from avoiding a poor purchase.
Benefits Beyond the Purchase
Building a Relationship
Engaging with a contractor, designer, and/or architect early in your home-buying process can help you build a relationship with someone you trust. This can be invaluable when it comes time to start renovations or improvements.
Informed Decision Making
With expert advice, you can make more informed decisions about which properties to consider seriously. This reduces the risk of unexpected expenses and ensures you get the most value for your money, and how you will realize your dream home!
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have a professional's opinion can give you peace of mind. You'll have confidence that you're making a smart investment, backed by expert knowledge.
Incorporating the expertise of contractors, designers, and architects into your home search process can save you time, money, and stress.
Their insights can help you avoid pitfalls, budget effectively, and make informed decisions. Whether through personal referrals or professional consultations, leveraging these resources can turn your dream home into a reality with fewer surprises along the way. And if you do find a home that needs a little bit of work, you will already have part of the team in place.
My biggest piece of advice when buying a home is know yourself.
If you have the patience and the tolerance for a little bit of work, then my advice would be different from someone who cannot handle disruptions to their home life.
A lot of people can’t see past the surface to the potential a home has to offer - and that is where I think a lot of missed opportunities come into play.
Though not much about home makeover shows is “real” the one thing they aren’t faking is that the same space can be two very different things.
It helps to have a furry friend along the way!