Rehab Addict Nicole Curtis On DIY

If you've read at least one of my previous posts you won't be shocked to learn that I've found time to watch more than one episode of Rehab Addict on DIY.  The shows host, Nicole Curtis, is passionate about renovating and takes on homes that others think are beyond repair.  She doesn't just point her finger and tell hired tradesmen what she's wants done, she rolls up her sleeves, grabs a shovel or a hammer, and is part of the fun.        

I've only been able to see Rehab Addict a few times.  I saw Curtis re-purpose some garage doors into a basement wall and incorporate an old soapstone wash sink into one of her bathrooms.  In another episode she transformed the bathroom of a client and found an old wood door to use as a headboard.  (see The Picture Window at the Bungalow).  She did some dumpster diving in another show and candidly (and without reservation) explained how most of her furniture was discarded as trash by previous owners.  Now, this may not sound as exciting and dramatic as demolishing an old house and rebuilding a new one in a week, but that's not what Nicole (or Blood, Sweat, and Pig's Ears) is about.  

I can relate to how Curtis finances her addiction.  In the intro of one show Nicole explains how one of her project houses isn't selling quickly enough and because of this she's having to put her own home on the market for sale.  This is the reality of a freelance home renovator.  My wife calls it a feast or famine way of life.  When I'm waiting for the next buyer, I start to think of different ways to generate cash and selling a property is always an option.  On one hand it's nerve racking, but on another it is exciting and is one of the things that makes Rehab Addict subtly intriguing for people who don't live this way. 

So, if you haven't watched Nicole Curtis in Rehab Addict, and you love renovating like I do, then you need to check the television schedule and sit down for a thirty minute episode.  It's good stuff.     

NC's Bathroom Redux on DIY (May 5, 2012)

Nicole Curtis Going Non-Conventional on Rehab Addict (May 10, 2012)

Welcome Back Rehab Addict  (Feb. 9, 2013) 

Step 11: Redraw the Floor Plan

For me, the changes to the layout of my rehab have varied. On some projects, I've kept them to a minimum while. On others, I've reworked the entire home, moving nearly every wall, door, and window. I really enjoy redrawing my house because this is when the property begins to transform in my thoughts to what it's going to be when I'm done. That gets me excited, which makes me even more hyped up to get to work. 

As you review the layout of your project house, consider it in three ways: the common areas that everyone shares—kitchen, dining, family room, and hopefully a half bath or powder room. Secondly, the sleeping quarters—bedrooms and any bathrooms dedicated for them. And finally, the smaller rooms—laundry room, linen closets, pantry, utility closets—those necessary rooms that are easier to squeeze in amongst everything else. 

My finish rehabs all tend to feel bigger than their actual square footage. I like to add headers, columns, knee walls, and pass-thru openings to the main living areas. I think this helps to create this open feel, making my houses seem larger than they really are which helps at resale time. If a potential buyer is walking my 1,500 square foot house that feels like others measuring in at two thousand, and priced accordingly, it improves my chances of getting an offer. 

I make an effort to be practical when I redraw the floor plan. What would I want if I were to live there? What would a prospective buyer want? Sometimes a bedroom doesn’t have a closet, which means it’s not going to be considered a bedroom in the eyes of realtors, home shoppers, or appraisers. A dishwasher is another example. I can live without it, yet I'm always sure to find room for one in the kitchen because it helps the house sell. When you're redrawing your layout, think of how you can make it better and what you're going to want, but be most considerate of what others will want, and play it smart. The practical route will get you the biggest payday down the road.

Jump to Step 13: Know Your Limitations

Step 10: Get Your Official Permission

On one hand, getting permission from the man to work on your own home may feel downright un-American. I get it. However, if this is where you are at, try to think about it another way; you may not need the oversight, but maybe others do. In America, we’re all equal, so permitting by the government of and for the people is just part of the adventure. Bottom line though, it’s in everyone’s best interest, yours included, to have building officials who issue permits. Afterall, you want someone to make sure the DIYer next door isn’t going to rehab a home that catches fire and takes yours down with it, right? And don’t you want a lookout to prevent the person across the street from creating an eyesore that you have to look at or that’ll lower your property values? There are other reasons, but you see my point.          

The first and most significant thing to keep in mind regarding the permitting process is that every building department is different. The only thing I’ve found that’s the same, regardless of the town or city, is that most building officials firmly believe that the way they do it is the way everyone does it… that their rules are the standard.

The initial steps I've described don’t require permission from local authorities. However, when you start demoing walls and addressing the bigger issues, there's a good chance you'll need a permit. I'd love to write down everything you’ll need to know about permitting, inspections, and code compliance, but all of this varies from place to place. I've worked in too many municipalities to count, and they're all different. In addition, it's common for them to make adjustments on how they do things periodically, so I try to be prepared for anything when I walk into a building department.

In some places, you'll have complete freedom to do whatever you want to your property without any outside involvement from others. However, some cities, towns, and counties will require that you provide them some details of your plans and pay a small fee before you receive a postable sign. Some building officials may ask for drawings, while others will be satisfied with a written description. One village or city may require that you hire a licensed General Contractor to do the work, supervise, or manage your project, while other towns might be okay with you acting as your own GC… as long as your name is on the deed. 

Furthermore, there are some municipalities that will expect a you to make the house your home when you're finished and might even require you to sign a document pledging to live there as a resident for a stipulated time period once you’re all done. Basically, the local folks don’t want you to slap lipstick on your pig’s ear and drywall over shoddy work before you flip it and then high tail out of town, leaving your poor buyer with a house full of sub-par work. I know you wouldn’t do this, but someone else has, so rules have been put in place. If you have to live there for a while after you’re finished, they’re speculating that you’ll do a better job. Again, hiring a general contractor to oversee or do the work may be a viable way to get in and flip it. 

 When I'm navigating my way through the rocky permitting and inspection waters, my mission is to receive my Certificate of Occupancy at the end of the project. However, to reinforce my point on the randomness of this process even further, not all towns or local authorities issue a C.O. after the final inspection is passed. The bottom line here: when you go to get your permit, be ready for anything, and don't be surprised if you're faced with someone on the other side of the counter saying, "This is how it's done" as if there's no other way. Trust me, this attitude is common. I've grown to understand that when this happens, the clear reality is: That’s just how it's done there.

And finally, pull a permit for the improvements you know you're going to make, rather than things you might do. If you’re positive you need to replace some drywall, paint inside and out, and you'll also be popping in replacement windows, then get official permission for those things. Don't muddy the waters by mentioning the possibility of skylights, a hot tub, or other dreamy blips on your rehab radar. Just keep it simple, and when you're rock solid on additional scopes of work, you can circle back to get the bureaucratic green light at a later date.