Thinking about a home renovation or possibly building a new house? Along with some key resources to help with this dilemma, here’s a story about a homeowner in the beach area of Fairfield Connecticut that changed their initial plans after weighing all their options.
Jen and Chris came to Fairfield in 2006 and settled into their new home, a cozy Cape in the beach area on Pratt Street. From day-one, they loved the location and the street. They figured down the road they would have a baby and then renovate, expand or even add another floor.
Fairfield Beach Area New Construction
Fast forward to 2009 when their little boy wasn’t so small anymore, but their house still was, and it was time to expand. However, when they went to town hall and reviewed the beach area Zoning Regulations, they ran into an unanticipated glitch. They hadn’t realized that if the cost of their renovations exceeded fifty percent of the market value of their house structure, they would be required to fill in their basement, or stretch their project costs out over several years.
Their other major consideration was the cost of flood insurance in the beach area, especially for houses not compliant with Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA regulations, (FEMA FAQs). After reviewing all the variables and costs, they changed course. Instead of renovating, Chris and Jen determined that it would be more cost effective to tear down their house and rebuild. This way their home would be FEMA-compliant and brand new with the added space they needed plus an attached garage.
If you are having a similar dilemma, there are some additional factors you may also want to consider as well as ways to finance renovations, key new home benefits, and tax incentives.
Jen and Chris’ New Home
Upon solidifying their decision and hiring a builder, Chris and Jen enlisted my help to find a nearby rental to live in during the construction. They were not alone since many other families in the neighborhood were also raising their houses, renovating or rebuilding after superstorm Sandy. We began looking and found some good prospects. Eventually, we secured a great place a few blocks away that was perfect for keeping a handle on construction oversight.
Jen and Chris in front of their new home!
The process of tearing down and rebuilding began. And one year later, the new home stood welcoming its owners back to the beloved place where their old Cape once sat.
There’s nothing like home sweet home!
Send me a note if you would like to build new, renovate, and find a rental to help with the plan!
Consider a custom-built or new construction home in Fairfield or Westport.
6 Hillandale Lane, Greens Farms Westport CT
Fairfield and Westport CT Real Estate Guide 
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December 17, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Yes, I was able to find them a place to rent right around the corner, so they were able to keep a close watch on the construction of their new home. This helped a lot, since many details can get off-track if you don’t remain in close communication with your contractors.
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November 9, 2015 at 10:23 pm
Thank you! They agreed to jump in the air, so I suppose that’s a good sign. 🙂
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November 9, 2015 at 7:05 pm
It’s a great story Linda. Seeing your wonderful attitude and wealth of knowledge, I’m sure you helped to make the whole project easier for your clients.
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