03-24-2009, 06:55 AM
As a professional builder we generally (and I mean generally) consider renovation to be more costly than new construction. This is, of course, based on labor costs primarily. If a person is doing thier own work and not valuing their time highly then renovation might be more cost effective.
It is true, as gtill says, that the integrity of the building will matter a lot.
For my part I did very well by buying an old plantation tear down years ago. The advantages to me were a good location, elect. meter, water meter, telephone and cable lines, and an ISDS. Disadvantages were 50 truckloads of trash. The trash was actually an advantage in a way. Because of the drifts of garbage there was little interest in the property - I got it cheap. The trash was rather easy to collect and once removed did not grow back. Where others saw problems I saw solutions. Worked well for me.
The demolition of the old redwood house (riddled with termites) was rather effortless. I also preferred not clearing any new ground and reusing a home site from a foot print perspective.
It is true, as gtill says, that the integrity of the building will matter a lot.
For my part I did very well by buying an old plantation tear down years ago. The advantages to me were a good location, elect. meter, water meter, telephone and cable lines, and an ISDS. Disadvantages were 50 truckloads of trash. The trash was actually an advantage in a way. Because of the drifts of garbage there was little interest in the property - I got it cheap. The trash was rather easy to collect and once removed did not grow back. Where others saw problems I saw solutions. Worked well for me.
The demolition of the old redwood house (riddled with termites) was rather effortless. I also preferred not clearing any new ground and reusing a home site from a foot print perspective.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator