Looking for some more space in your home without moving to another place? Don't you want to leave your lovely neighbor? Are your family's needs unfulfilled in the current space? Then the best solution is to go for an Home Addition project. It is the best way to get the desired space and comfort. Whatever the reason, home addition is absolutely the best and right way to increase the square footage and bring opportunities to fulfill the requirement.
There are certain steps involved in getting the desired outcome with your home addition project. There will be requirements to design the floor plan, get permits, consider the budget, get quality construction materials and so on. Also, the cost of home additions you can consider is between $12,000 to $170,000, depending on your project level. And this is not a small chunk of the charge. So before investing such a large amount, proper planning must be done and to help you with that, we are here. In this blog, you will learn about the major steps that you must consider when you are planning your home addition.
Defining the Goal
The first step in any project is to get a clear understanding of the goal. Your ideas and requirements must be clear so that you can explain them to the home builder. It might be the case that you got the idea of home addition from a popular social media site or any home magazine. However, it is not necessary that you go with the same style or pattern.
You need to decide what the purpose of this addition is—is it to increase the resale value, make a home office, or make some additional space for your kids? When you know the problem and its solutions, you can easily focus in the right direction. So before starting the construction process, you should try to get the answer to these questions.
Learn about Permits and Restrictions
It's very important that when you are planning to increase the square footage of your home, you know about the desired permits and associated restrictions. You need to get permits from the local municipality to start the construction process. It will ensure that the entire work will be carried out in compliance with the building codes and can prevent any future crises. Also, an inspection will ensure that work is done in the right manner, which will help you during the sale of your home. If you do not get these permits, then, more or less, you will be compromising the safety of your home structure.
Typically, you need to obtain permits for plumbing, electrical work and gas, but it varies according to the place where you are residing. There might be certain restrictions on the number of stories you can construct and so on. So it is always advisable that you conduct property surveys to ensure that your project will be completed without any violations. You can scroll through the zoning website of your area to get better information.
Set a Realistic Budget
When it comes to budgeting for a home improvement project, there are a few key steps you need to follow. The first step is to consider the project's scope. What exactly do you want to do? Once you have a good idea of the scope of the project, you can start to gather your requirements and plan out the process.
Once you have a plan in place, you can start to calculate the associated costs. This can be a tough process, but by doing some research and understanding the process involved in the project, you can come up with a pretty good estimate. It's important to remember that you won't be able to calculate the exact cost, but having an estimate will give you a good idea of what to expect.
When you are calculating your estimate, be sure to include all of the costs associated with the project, including materials, labor, permits, and any other fees. It's also a good idea to add an extra fund of 10-15% to cover any unexpected costs that may arise. During the process, you may find that the prices of materials are lower than your expected value. Be sure to take advantage of any sales or discounts that you can find.
Once you have a good idea of the total cost of the project, you need to think about your current finances. If you have enough savings or other investments that you can liquidate, you may be able to pay for the project outright. However, if you're running short of money, you may need to consider getting a home improvement loan. However, it's important to compare interest rates and terms from multiple lenders before you make a decision. Also, you should pay attention to the monthly payments that you need to make.
Go With the Right Contractor
Finding the Addition Contractors In Delray Beach is an important step in ensuring a successful and satisfying home improvement project. Selecting a reputable and experienced contractor is essential to achieving high-quality results and avoiding potential issues during the project. Before making your final decision, it is highly recommended to obtain quotes from multiple contractors. This allows you to compare prices, services offered, and project competition time.
Also, you should understand that attempting to handle a home addition project without professional knowledge or expertise can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes and certain safety hazards. Unless you possess the necessary skills and experience, it is advisable to hire a qualified contractor to ensure the project is executed correctly and safely.
However, if you want to save money on your home addition process, then you can negotiate with your contractor and discuss potential cost-saving measures with your chosen contractor. Before finalizing your decision, thoroughly review the contractor's terms and conditions of work. This document outlines the contractor's responsibilities, payment schedule, and any warranties or guarantees provided. Additionally, read reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gain insights into the contractor's work ethic, reliability, and customer satisfaction record.
Ensure that your chosen contractor understands your vision, needs, and expectations clearly. Engage in detailed discussions about each step and process involved in the project. Moreover, establish a clear plan for handling unforeseen circumstances or change orders that may arise during construction.
Finalize the Design
Now that you have made your selection of the right contractor and have an idea of the estimated cost, it's time to finalize the design. Along with making your home design attractive, it should also align with local area rules. You can take inspiration from the architectural style located in your neighborhood. A balanced design that complements the surrounding homes can enhance the overall aesthetic of the area. Think about features that complement your surrounding areas, such as window styles, external finishes, and rooflines.
Consider how the addition will work with your home's current design. The design should not only be visually appealing but also functional and practical. Plan for smooth transitions between the new and existing spaces to create a cohesive flow throughout the home. Try to incorporate energy-efficient features into your design so that you can also save money on your bills.
Select Quality Materials
Choosing the right building materials is essential for the success of any construction project. High-quality materials will ensure that your structure is durable, safe, and visually appealing.
Consider these points before making your selection of materials:
1. Do your research: Before you start shopping, take some time to learn about the different types of materials available. Consider factors such as strength, durability, cost, and sustainability.
2. Buy from a reputable source: When you're buying building materials, it's important to buy from a reputable source. By doing this, you will be able to make sure that the products you receive live up to your expectations.
3. Inspect the materials before you buy them: Before you pay for any materials, inspect them carefully to make sure that they're free from defects. Look for cracks, chips, and other signs of damage.
4. Consider the climate: When selecting building materials, it's important to consider the climate in which you live. And you should make a purchase by considering the climatic conditions. For example, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you will need to choose materials that are resistant to high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures.
5. Get professional advice: If you're not sure which materials are right for your project, don't hesitate to get professional advice. An architect or engineer can help you select materials that meet your needs and budget.
Start the Construction Process
Once you have obtained all the required approvals, including permits and licenses, and have successfully hired a reliable and experienced contractor, you can start the construction process. Throughout the construction process, maintain open and effective communication with your contractor. This includes regular updates, either through scheduled meetings or progress reports. This will keep you informed about the project's status, milestones, and any potential challenges or changes.
Additionally, conducting regular site visits is highly recommended. By visiting the construction site, you can personally observe the progress, monitor the work quality, and address any concerns or issues promptly. This not only ensures that the construction aligns with your expectations and adheres to the agreed-upon plans but also fosters a cooperative working relationship between you and the contractor.
Get Final Inspections and Approvals For Home Addition
When your home addition project is almost done, it's time to schedule the final inspections with your local building authorities. These inspections are essential to ensure that your addition meets all relevant codes, regulations, and safety standards. To schedule a final inspection, contact your local building department and inquire about their process and requirements. Typically, you'll need to submit a completed inspection request form, along with any required fees. The inspector will then visit your property and thoroughly examine your addition, checking for compliance with various aspects such as structural integrity, electrical and plumbing systems, fire safety measures, and accessibility features.
During the inspection, the inspector will verify that your addition meets the following codes and regulations:
1. Building Codes: These codes govern the overall design, construction, and safety of your addition. They ensure that your structure is stable, durable, and resistant to natural disasters.
2. Electrical Codes: These codes regulate electrical installations in addition to ensuring that they are safe, efficient, and compliant with current standards.
3. Plumbing Codes: These codes address the plumbing systems in your addition, ensuring that they are properly installed, free from leaks, and capable of handling the demands of your household.
4. Fire Safety Codes: These codes focus on fire prevention and protection, ensuring that your addition is equipped with adequate fire safety systems and features.
5. Accessibility Codes: These codes ensure that your addition is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including ramps, handrails, and accessible entrances.
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will issue a report detailing any violations or discrepancies that need to be addressed. Address these issues promptly to ensure that your addition is compliant and safe.
Get Your New Space
Now the long wait has come to an end. You can now get access to your newly added space. Also, while getting settled into your new addition, if you feel a requirement for any correction, you can discuss that with your contractor. Whether it's a comfy new bedroom, a roomy living area, or a handy home office, take a moment to enjoy the satisfaction of completing your home addition project.
Final Words
It's true that designing an additional space in the home is exciting but it also brings several challenges. You should have a clear understanding of your requirements and that should be conveyed in the same manner to your professional contractor. With the right planning and following the right steps, you can complete that easily.
If you are planning to get started on your dream home, then it's time to contact the best home builder at EG Homes Florida. We have years of expertise and experience to fulfill your desired outcome. Get in touch with the best general contractor near you today and get started.
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