What to Take Into Account When Purchasing a House with the Intention of Remodeling It
Before deciding to purchase a house with the intention of remodeling, follow these tips:
1. Do the Math. A remodeling project should not cost more than 30% of the property value. Otherwise, the property will increase its value and drive it off the market should you want to sell.
2. Ensure that you can make the changes. Should the house be located in a historic area, do not forget to check the building restrictions set by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, or INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History), as the property by in large should be kept in its “as is” condition, and therefore the walls or windows should remain where they are located at the time of purchase.
3. Do not embark on your initiative blindly. Get an appraisal in order to determine the remodeling cost. It is also advisable to include an allocation of anywhere between 5 and 10% of the total remodeling cost for possible incidental expenses, such as: additional equipment, or a mishap, casualty or damage caused from drilling into walls.
4. Ask for help. If the remodeling project involves building another room or tearing down a wall, we recommend you get advice from a building professional. At this point, it is important to have a Construction Services Contract, which includes what we published in our article http://www.yucatancompass.com/pregunta/14/que-debo-de-incluir-en-un-contrato-de-obra, and there should also be added to that Contract documents that indicate: (i) the project timetable; (ii) the budget signed by the professional hired; and (iii) the permits and authorizations issued by the municipal authority and, where applicable, the INAH.
Source: Metros Cúbicos.