What to Evaluate When Considering a Detached Garage
Garages are getting a new, fresh consideration by homeowners these days. Once, garages served one purpose: to house and shelter your car. Today, a garage can serve many purposes, including storage, a playroom for the kids (or a game room for adults), and even a guest room that can be rented out to generate income. If you already have a garage for one purpose, you may be considering a second garage for additional reasons. Great idea, but it takes some serious consideration and planning. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when planning a detached garage: Start with your best reasons for building: Extra storage space Renting the space in order to generate income To house additional vehicles To create some solitude (or a mancave) Build a plan: How large will the garage be? Will it shelter vehicles? More than one? What kind of doors and windows will you include? What type of roof? Will this construction require contractors (and subcontractors)? Know the rules: Does your community require permits or inspections before building begins? Who is liable in case of an accident during and after the construction phase? Check your homeowners insurance. Determine if you are going to need a contractor to help you: Plan to request at least three quotes. Don’t automatically consider the lowest quote. Instead, consider reputations and recommendations. Try not to cut corners. Make sure to check if your contractor is listed with the Better Business Bureau. Trust your gut: does this contractor inspire confidence? Sign a contract so that there are no gray areas or miscommunication about what is needed to be done and when. Consider building materials (and any related building codes): If using a contractor, request a bill of materials (BOM). This is a list of all the materials required for the project. What type of framing (lumber) will you need? What type of foundation materials will you need (most common: cement)? Will your garage be heated or air conditioned? You then need to consider HVAC services and equipment. What type of materials will you need for your roof? What type of door and window materials will you need? Do any of your materials need to comply with your local building codes? Should you consider a prefab detached garage kit? They’re often designed to accommodate one car (but there are exceptions). Some offer additional space for tools and storage. Consider a kit that may also create a guest room or additional housing unit (ADU). How much will this garage cost you? Of course, it all depends on what type of garage you are building and where you are located. $16,766-$38,954, according to Home Advisor $35-$60 per square foot/$19,600-$28,200 average total cost, according to Home Guide. Average cost for a two-car, single story, finished interior, 576 square foot, asphalt shingles, vinyl siding: $52,830, according to Fixr. Bottom line: It’s undeniable: we all need more space. A detached garage on your property may be able to solve logistical problems or help serve a new purpose. However, don’t move forward until you have all of your ducks in a row, knowing what you’re up against, how much the project will cost, and that you are building legally. – Karl Kennedy
Things to Look For in Your Next Home
As you start the home buying process, you will have to consider many important factors, above and beyond your own personal budget and buying power. While this can be a stressful process, there are things you can do to make the process simple and as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a current homeowner, you can begin to prepare for the homebuying process by spending some time thinking about the things that are most important to you. At Franklin Investment Realty, we are here to not only help you purchase your next home, but help you truly think through exactly what you want – and need – in your next home. Welcoming Neighborhood One of the most important things to consider, relative to your own personal budget and buying power, is where you want to purchase your new home. Are you looking for a quiet neighborhood with a larger yard (Bucks County)? Or, maybe you’re looking for a new home in a more walkable neighborhood (Old City)? Perhaps you’re shopping close to work, or you’re looking to purchase a home in a specific school district? These are all really important things to consider as you start researching new homes and each answer will be specific to you and your family. With our many years of experience in the greater Philadelphia area, we are confident we can help you explore new neighborhoods and exciting pockets of the city, like Brewerytown and many other booming neighborhoods, and find the area that’s just perfect for you. Cozy Living Spaces and Amenities Another critically important decision you will need to make is determine exactly how much space you need – and how you want that space to be allocated throughout your home. Maybe you’re a chef and an impressive kitchen with ample storage is important to you; or maybe you would prefer a bonus media room for your children or a spare home office. Either way, determining exactly how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need in your next house is an important decision to make as you tour potential new homes. Another important decision you will need to make is to consider if you want your home to be move-in ready, or if you want to be afforded the opportunity to make your home your own with small – or large – renovations. In this housing market, and with our knowledge of the area, Franklin Investment Realty can help you consider the pros and cons of purchasing a move-in-ready home, or a charming fixer-upper that you can customize to be your own. Once you’re settled in your beautiful home, you can stay cozy and warm with an indoor movie night. Make your perfect night-in all the better with a home theater projector and stream your favorite holiday movies or shows anywhere in the house, maybe even outside if the weather allows, or stay indoors cozied up on the couch. To make the season even more special, you can build a hot chocolate bar complete with marshmallows, candies and peppermints. – Karl Kennedy
9 Questions to Ask a Realtor When Shopping for a Home
Whether you are buying a home or renting one, there are important facts to know about the property before settlement. Asking the necessary questions arms you with the needed information about the house, which helps you to make the best for your family. 1. What Is The Home Condition? Before moving past inspection contingencies, ask for the estimates for the repairs – assumptions can be costly. You should know the home condition which includes the state of the components in the house, such as HVAC, roofing, electric service, chimneys and more. Knowing the necessary repairs to be made will help you make a fair offer and prevent loss on your side. 2. Why Is The Owner Selling? Try to find out why the owner is selling before making a decision you can’t easily turn away from. While most sell due to outside circumstances, some might be selling because of certain faults with the home. Safe reasons for selling include: relocation for a job, moving closer to family and friends, desire to move into a bigger house, neighborhood, school, etc. 3. What Are The Schools Like? The quality of schools near your potential home should be put into consideration if you already have or plan to have kids. The proximity of the school to the home and the quality of the schools’ academics are key. Even if there is no kid in the picture, houses located around good schools usually sell for a higher price. 4. What Is The Probability Of Natural Disasters? While natural disasters are not planned, some environments are more prone to natural disasters than others. Ask for the risk of common disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, severe weather conditions, wildfires, storms, etc. Knowing this fact helps you to be prepared for eventualities if you decide to get the property. 5. What Materials Are The Walls Made Of? The durability, low-cost maintenance, and energy-efficiency of a house are dependent on the material the house is made of. It is important to note that concrete block homes are the best for long term usage. When a house is made of concrete block, it creates a secure, healthy, and comfortable environment for living. 6. Condition Of The Roof Changing the roof of a house incurs huge expenses, so the roof of any property you want to buy should be in a good and durable condition. Roof style differs in beauty, durability, stamina, repair cost, etc. Decide on which one is best for your home. 7. How Long Has The Home Been On The Market? Knowing how long the house has been put up for sale will give some insights to faults in the house, neighborhood, or the seller’s asking price. These insights will make for easier negotiation. 8. What Are The Property Tax And Utility Bills? You should ask for the previous bills of the last inhabitants of the house. Asking for the property tax and utility bills will help you figure out if you can afford the house and the mortgage. 9. What Are The Major Reservations You Have About The Property? A realtor’s experience allows them to give advice about the property and future potential of the home. Take due advantage of their expertise and experience. Before settling for a property, double-check all the facts you are provided with and do not make any decision under duress. Ensure the necessary documents are signed and protocols followed. Hire the best realtor you can afford and trust (like Matt Scannapieco) All questions will be answered in very explicit words that are devoid of any ambiguity. Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value. – Matt Lee
Front-Line Worker Partnership
In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Franklin Investment Realty has outlined a partnership with front-line workers to assist making their real estate goals possible. We are offering a one time $1,000 settlement credit to both buyers and sellers indefinitely if you register with us before the end of May 2020. You can register below or at the following link: Front-Line Worker Registration. This partnership is designed to give back to all the front-line workers who have worked tirelessly throughout these unprecedented times not just with coronavirus but addressing all concerns. The front-line work force is very close to home having many family members and close friends working diligently during this pandemic. We want to honor all their hard work and consistent efforts far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Franklin Investment Realty will make your real estate goals possible. We have experience working with buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Through the collaborative effort of our government, front-line workers, businesses and individuals, we look forward to putting an end to the coronavirus pandemic! – Matt Scannapieco