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Thanks, guys. I'll check the codes, but I don't think we'll have a big problem with teardown. Our desires are for a realtively modest house on a larger lot, so we won't have the issue of wanting to build too much home on a too small lot as is common in our area. Talked with one contractor...

Yeah, I guess I should just start looking at the best priced houses as teardowns. I just wondered, because sometimes I see these MAJOR redos which look so nice... And I thought if it might significantly lessen the cost of a project. Of course sometimes you see ones that don't work so well...

More good comments. Thanks. First off. Why move at all? Assess what your needs are. You say downsize. Do you need the difference in price from what you have to what you may end up with (if any difference) to pay for retirement? Could you just retrofit/remodel what you have to better...

Hey, no sweat - and thanks for the response. Like I said, I'm just trying to start figuring out my options. And I will look into the factors you raise. A little more background (in the hopes it encourages others to chime in): -In the areas we are looking, it would be EXTREMELY unlikely...

Hi, all! My wife and I live in the Chicago suburbs. Our kids are out of the house and we are thinking about moving/downsizing, and I was hoping you would be willing to engage me in some discussion of some VERY general issues. We are pretty particular about what we are going to want out of...

Thanks. I'm not a huge fan of inspectors. I mean, I know they are better than nothing, but I dislike their express disclaimer of liability for basically anything in their reports. In many respects, I would value more highly the opinion of an experienced contractor, who would be interested in...

Thanks a million, guys! I would have posted a link to exterior pics, but am unable to as a newbie. Your posts give me some good ideas of things to look for when/if we look at this house. I can imagine my realtor rolling her eyes as I pull out my level . . .:p And my plan would be to give...

Forgot one relevant factor. The structure is woodframe rather than brick, which I suspect would make piercing the exterior wall simpler. It was built @ 1915.

We wouldn't be DIY this, but I was hoping someone might be able to let me know if this is doable. My wife and I are wondering whether a particular house might serve our purposes with a couple of changes. I'd appreciate any thoughts as to whether what I'm thinking of is possible, as well as...