What should I consider when hiring someone to raise my sunken living room?

• <div><p>Selecting the right <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/general-contractors/">general contractor</a> to tackle a job like raising a sunken living room can feel like an overwhelming prospect. Follow these tips to find, vet, and hire the best local contractor for your project:</p><ul><li><p>Get recommendations from neighbors and friends who might be able to suggest contractors they’ve used.</p></li><li><p>Request written quotes to help set your budget and expectations.</p></li><li><p>Verify your contractor’s credentials to ensure a professional and legal finished product.</p></li><li><p>Read the contractor’s proposed contract to make sure you agree to all terms, including the project timeline, cost, and materials. </p></li><li><p>Keep copies of all relevant documentation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

How long do dormers last?

• <div><p>Just like the rest of your roof, a dormer will last as long as the life span of the materials used in construction. Slate, clay, and concrete roofing can last for over a century, whereas more <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/roof-materials.htm">standard roofing materials</a>, such as asphalt shingles, last closer to 30 years. The structure of the dormer itself, however, should last the roof's lifetime when properly maintained. Only the window, insulation, and eaves may require repairs over time.</p></div>

What increases house value the most?

• <div><p>Increasing home value and return on investment (ROI) are two different things and it’s important to differentiate between the two. While a kitchen remodel will surely raise the value of the house, it may only have an ROI of around 50%. Homeowners <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/remodeling-projects-highest-roi.htm">looking to raise the value of their home</a> for sale will have to consider how much they will recoup by the monetary investment in projects, as the ROI percentages may be lower or higher than the added value on a dollar-for-dollar basis.</p></div>

Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. </p><p>Most homeowners pay between <b>$100,000 and $200,000</b> for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-house.htm">cost to build a new home</a> is between <b>$139,000 and $531,300</b>. </p></div>

What should I renovate first when remodeling a home on a budget?

• <div><p>When deciding what to renovate first when remodeling a house on a budget, think about your home’s most pressing need. If you have an old kitchen that isn’t functional, you may want to start there. If you need extra living space for your growing family immediately, consider remodeling the basement first. Learning <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/4-ways-prioritize-your-remodeling-projects.htm">how to prioritize home improvement projects</a> can help you stick to your budget while making improvements that give you the biggest immediate benefit.</p></div>