72 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Remodeling & Construction on Johns Island. “And you have to know at the beginning that all the different communities in the Lowcountry – such as Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant – have different rules for any renovation project.” For instance, a whole-home makeover requires measuring the entire home. Builders must consider the different construction conditions of each area, which vary from room to room. Specific work permits must be secured. Plumbing and electrical have to be done in a way to flow together seamlessly throughout each area, since one section of a home usually affects another. “Structure damage is the biggest concern,” Dumais said. “We’ve found a decent amount of termite damage on past projects. And you never know what you’re going to find behind walls. All this could affect your planning, timelines and price.” Which is why, as Dumais and Bennett said, peace of mind is best secured up front with a builder you trust. “The thought of taking on a large project like building a custom home or addition can seem daunting for some clients,” said Hunter Baker, owner of Hunter Baker Homes and Renovations in Mount Pleasant. “So we guide clients through the design and construction process from start to finish as efficiently as possible. Each of my high-end projects is assigned a designer to help assist them with their selections.” ADDING A ROOM OR FEATURE Suppose you have a 60-year-old home with the traditional two-car garage that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s and want to add a new room or area to increase your home’s value and create more space for your needs. Should you pick an available section of property for the expansion or add more space to the attic or an upper room? Or simply enclose a patio or garage or add a deck or porch? Do you use brick, stone, wood or panel siding? Which building materials will make the addition look like it’s always been part of the house? Your choice could make the difference between unnecessary expenses and headaches and something that brings you all-around joy. “People move into homes and want to update to create a better lifestyle,” Bennett said. “They like outdoor decks and kitchens because it expands their living space, and we can help them figure out the best option for a design that suits their property.” For instance, one advantage to enclosing a carport or garage is a ready-made foundation and one permanent wall already in place. However, you will have to either install a makeshift car cover area or let your vehicles simply brave the elements. coastal dwellings Photos Provided by Classic Kitchens of Charleston.
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