Inside Renovations is an essential guide for every homeowner that will walk you through ALL the details of a home renovation process, including a detailed focus on kitchen and bathroom renovations. Although home renovations can be an exciting adventure, they can also be extremely stressful. What you see on TV reno shows is far from reality! Kitchen and bathroom designer Natalia J. Pierce offers an inside look at what really happens when you undertake a major home renovation project. Filled with tips and tricks that will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches, this book is the perfect preparation for every homeowner planning to renovate. You will learn everything that goes into a successful kitchen and bathroom renovation, such as what materials will you need? When and how should you hire a professional contractor or designer? What is a realistic budget and time frame for your project? Inside Renovations is the blueprint for any homeowner who wants to improve their home and not only survive the renovation journey but have a positive outcome and experience.
This book presents a new approach to building renovation, combining aspects of various professional disciplines, integrating green building design, structural stability, and energy efficiency. It draws attention to several often-overlooked qualities of buildings that should be comprehensively integrated into the context of building renovation. The book presents an overview of the most important renovation approaches according to their scope, intensity, and priorities. Combining basic theoretical knowledge and the authors’ scientific research it emphasizes the importance of simultaneous consideration of energy efficiency and structural stability in building renovation processes. It simultaneously analyses the effects of various renovation steps related to the required level of energy efficiency, while it also proposes the options of building extension with timber-glass upgrade modules as the solution to a shortage of usable floor areas occurring in large cities. This book offers building designers and decision makers a tool for predicting energy savings in building renovation processes and provides useful guidelines for architects, city developers and students studying architecture and civil engineering. Additionally, it demonstrates how specific innovations, e.g., building extensions with timber-glass modules, can assist building industry companies in the planning and development of their future production. The main aim of the current book is to expose various approaches to the renovation of existing buildings and to combine practical experience with existing research, in order to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness on the importance of integrative and interdisciplinary solutions.
Purpose of the Book In today's world, where sustainability and energy efficiency have become paramount, the significance of retrofitting and renovation has never been more relevant. This book, Revitalize and Renew: A Comprehensive Guide to Retrofit and Renovation Projects, is designed to be a definitive resource for anyone looking to breathe new life into existing structures. Whether you are a homeowner eager to modernize your living space, an architect aiming to balance aesthetics with functionality, or a contractor seeking to enhance your expertise, this book will guide you through the process of transforming old, outdated buildings into efficient, sustainable, and beautiful spaces. The primary purpose of this book is to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about retrofit and renovation projects. It aims to demystify the processes involved, provide actionable steps, and inspire creativity in the pursuit of both functional and aesthetic improvements. By the end of this book, you will be well-prepared to embark on your own renovation journey, whether it involves minor updates or a complete overhaul. Scope of the Book Retrofit and renovation are often used interchangeably, yet they serve different purposes and involve distinct processes. This book clearly distinguishes between the two, while also showing how they can be complementary in creating modern, efficient buildings that respect their historical roots. Retrofit typically involves the addition of new technology or features to an existing building, with a strong focus on improving energy efficiency, safety, and resilience to environmental challenges. Examples include upgrading insulation, installing solar panels, or reinforcing structures against seismic activity. Renovation, on the other hand, focuses more on restoring or improving the physical aspects of a building—such as its structure, interiors, and exteriors—often for aesthetic purposes, modernization, or to repair damage. In this book, we will explore both concepts in depth, providing detailed guidance on a wide range of projects, from small-scale updates to large-scale transformations. The book is divided into several key sections: Foundations of Retrofitting and Renovation: A thorough exploration of the basics, including the differences between retrofitting and renovation, the initial assessments required, and how to plan and design a project that meets your goals. Key Retrofit and Renovation Projects: A hands-on guide to specific projects, including structural enhancements, energy efficiency improvements, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and both interior and exterior renovations. Sustainability and Future-Proofing: As environmental concerns grow, this section focuses on green retrofitting strategies, smart home technologies, and designing for health, wellness, and long-term sustainability. Case Studies and Practical Examples: Real-world examples and DIY project guides that provide inspiration and practical advice for various types of retrofit and renovation projects. Managing and Completing Your Project: A deep dive into project management, budgeting, financing, and post-renovation considerations to ensure that your project is successful from start to finish. The Growing Importance of Retrofitting and Renovation The modern built environment is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to aging infrastructure. Retrofitting and renovation offer solutions that not only enhance the functionality and safety of buildings but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Retrofitting, in particular, has gained momentum as a crucial strategy for reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon footprints, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Moreover, renovating existing buildings rather than constructing new ones can preserve historical and cultural values, reduce the demand for new materials, and minimize waste. As cities become more crowded and the need for housing and commercial space grows, the efficient use of existing structures through thoughtful renovation becomes increasingly important. Who Should Read This Book? This book is intended for a diverse audience: Homeowners who want to update their homes, improve energy efficiency, or increase property value. Architects and Designers seeking inspiration and technical knowledge to incorporate into their projects. Contractors and Builders looking to expand their skills and expertise in retrofitting and renovation. DIY Enthusiasts interested in undertaking their own renovation projects with confidence. Real Estate Professionals aiming to understand the impact of retrofitting and renovation on property value and marketability. Conclusion As you embark on the journey of retrofitting or renovating a building, this book will serve as your comprehensive guide. It will help you navigate the complexities of these projects, offering practical advice, inspiring ideas, and a roadmap to success. Whether you are preserving the charm of a historic home, upgrading an outdated office building, or making your home more energy-efficient, Revitalize and Renew is here to support you every step of the way.
Th Accelerating the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations is a key policy lever in order to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. This book provides a broad, systemic perspective on the causes of the diffusion of energy-efficient renovations in Switzerland and policy recommendations for accelerating the diffusion process. Specifically, the book provides a description of the societal problem situation within which the diffusion process takes place and an analysis of the actors involved. It provides a detailed explanation of the causes of the diffusion process that synthesizes insights from the engineering, economics, marketing, sociology, communication studies and political science literature. It employs the System Dynamics methodology to simulate the diffusion process and analyze policy levers. The book proposes two regulations and a sketch of a business model as particularly promising public policy interventions. It concludes with an outline of a generic theory of the diffusion of sustainable technologies.
Turn weekend home-improvement projects into big money! Did you know you and your spouse can sell your home every two years and pay no taxes on profits up to $500,000? It's true! In fact, you should think of your home as an investment as much as a place to live. Simple renovations can dramatically increase the value of your home, and you can undertake most of them on your own and in your spare time. Renovate to Riches shows you how to turn your sweat into equity and your home into a moneymaker. Millions of people across America are making their do-it-yourself weekend projects pay off-and you can too. This straightforward guide will show you how to secure financing for your home, accomplish the renovations that add the most value, and get the highest price when you sell. It shows you how to design your own custom plan for creating wealth over five, ten, or even twenty years, and includes detailed case studies that help you avoid common mistakes. Renovate to Riches also includes: * An explanation of complicated federal tax codes * Tips on finding great homes at bargain prices * Advice on financing options * Which renovations add the most value * Professional guidance on interior design, landscaping, and other home improvement projects * Which projects you should be able to handle yourself and which will require a professional contractor * How to work with contractors and keep it cheap * Practical advice from the experts-real estate agents, brokers and bankers, tax advisors, contractors and carpenters, landscapers, interior and lighting designers, home inspectors, and appraisers Renovate to Riches is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It's a practical, step-by-step guide to building long-term wealth. You don't need the skills of a contractor or the experience of a real estate agent; all you need is a little extra time, a little extra money-and this unbeatable guide.
Old homes come with a character unmatched by recently built houses on the market The craftsmanship is often more distinct, the architectural elements more refined, the wood floors and trims more detailed, and the structure more solid and settled. A certain amount of renovation must be done to the older homes, and remodelling your home can make it come alive, fix its flaws, enhance its interior, and even make it more eco-friendly. However, renovating can be time consuming, expensive, and nerve-racking, leaving the homeowner in a dust whirl-wind with everything that needs to be done. This guide helps you to overcome these challenges bringing you home-owner bliss. To begin, you will learn how to estimate and stick to your renovation budget, as well as some key cost-cutting techniques to help you come in under budget. You will learn what building codes to follow before your begin your project, as well as the projects you can do on your own and what you might need professional assistance on. This book takes you through the complete remodelling process from the bottom up, beginning with the foundation. The book also presents ideas for renovating your family room, bedrooms, attic, basement, kitchen, and bathroom, as well as a variety of floor plans to follow if you need some help getting started. You will learn how to select and install cabinets and counter tops, as well as how to fully update sinks, taps, appliances, baths, showers and toilets. You will also learn how to overcome the challenges associated with water, electricity, asbestos, tanks and wells, and cesspools. There are step-by-step instructions for some of the most common projects, including installing drywall, upgrading windows and doors, and installing flooring. There is a section on exterior renovations, which contains information on skylights, garage doors, sunrooms, decks, and pools. Whether you are attempting your first project or are a seasoned professional, this is an indispensable companion for any homeowner with a project or two in mind.
