If you’re thinking about putting on an addition to your home this year, you should begin planning now. Your vision for how the new space will look is important, but there are a few things you must consider before getting started on new construction.
Budget
Keep careful notes on quotes from contractors and compare those to how much you’re willing to spend. Good advice would suggest that your budget include more than originally planned to account for the unexpected. As always, don’t go overboard—only plan for a home addition that you can comfortably afford, and ask your contractor for ideas on how to cut back in case costs exceed the amount expected. According to the National Association of Home Builders, lumber prices also hit an all-time high last week, so building won’t be cheap.
Zoning and Permits
Before breaking ground, review all paperwork and local laws to ensure your construction project is compliant. Get any required permits. Make sure you have the proper insurance policies in place in the event something goes wrong. Having knowledge of all aspects of the addition will help you prevent incurring fines or having to adjust plans.
Space Planning
Bigger is not always better when adding rooms to your home. Think about how you plan to use the room—how many people you want to fit in it comfortably, what activities will be done there, etc. Remember, an efficient space is more ideal than simply adding square footage.
We made this mistake one time with a home addition. We hired someone who could draw it up for us, but not an architect who understood space planning. We ended up with a large room that was difficult to furnish and didn’t fit our needs.
Interior Preparation
Large construction projects can cause dust and potential damage. Make sure you’ve moved items away from the area you plan to renovate, or consider putting some furniture or other items in storage. You may be excited about getting a new space, but you don’t want to ruin anything in your house.
Successful Home Additions
Are you thinking of making a home addition? Want to know how it will change the value of your home, or if your addition will pay for itself when you are ready to sell? Contact me to schedule a free consultation.