Adding an addition to your home is a great idea for many reasons. It can also be a project that can put a lot of pressure on your family, your wallet, and your daily life. Before delving into adding the addition, here are a few things to think about.
- Evaluate the Value
What is this addition going to add to your home? Are you going to add on and then move or live in the home for an extended period of time? Certain additions add more financial value to your home. There is also a life value that certain additions add that you can’t put a price tag on.
- What is the type of addition?
Along with value, you want to make sure you are choosing the right addition. There are lots of choices.
- Bathroom- Adding a bathroom can be nice for your family and beneficial to the value of your home
- Bedroom – Adding a bedroom creates additional space for family or guests.
- Office- Adding an office gives a person space to work in the home.
- Sunroom – You can enjoy the outside without being outside with a sunroom.
- Second Story – Add square footage and value to your home.
- Mudroom – A necessary space for dropping off shoes, bags, and daily items.
- Porch – A great place to enjoy yourself outside of your home.
- Workout Room – Need a place to exercise then build a room for it and all of your equipment.
- Do you need to hire a contractor or can you do it yourself?
Maybe you are handy and are comfortable adding to your home but if you are not you will want to seek out the top-rated contractor for the job. Hiring a contractor can be a scary process. You want to make sure you find someone who has insurance protection, liability and knows how to do the job. Find out how and where they get their materials, which they use to help them, are they working on the project or managing it. Ask for references and photographs.
- Timing
When thinking about the addition, find out when you can get started. Are all of the materials available? What is the estimated start to finish time? Don’t forget about permitting time, the time between materials settling, etc. If an addition takes a few months it may be hard for a short time but if an addition takes a year that’s a long time to sit through construction.
- Planning
You will want to plan the addition from start to finish. You will want to plan how your family will function during this time period as well. Think about if you have dogs or cats in your home during the work, if you will be gone during the work, or if you have to work from home during the addition. Plan the best time of year for your family as well. Be prepared for issues along the way and delays and build that into your plan.
- Permitting
Check with your local municipality for rules and regulations on additions to your home and permitting. Cities can make you remove the structure if it isn’t permitted or done properly. Also, check with your HOA. You might have trouble selling your home if an item did not have a proper permit when you were adding it.
- Costs
Make a positive and negative list of adding on that includes costs. Don’t forget about things like foundation if you are adding rooms to your home. Also remember piping, electrical, and other costs. Give yourself some wiggle room because it may end up being more than you expected. Be careful handing a down payment to a contractor.
- Talk it out
Talk with others who have had additions done and find out their experience. Search the internet for ideas and how-tos. Find out mistakes you should avoid.
