1. Plan For Home Addition Costs
Because home additions are highly customizable, it’s hard to nail down an exact cost. Many homeowners opt to do a single room addition, while others choose a larger floor addition to their home or a smaller bump-out to a room. In Delaware and, Maryland your cost will depend on your needs for the project. Will you need plumbing, electricity, or a new roof? You will have to contact a professional to help. Don’t forget about local permits you may need as well!.
When creating a budget, you’ll also want to plan for any surprises that may occur during the process. That way, you’ll know you’re covered no matter what.
2. Hire The Right Pros
While you may not realize it, building a home addition has many different parts! For larger home addition projects, it’s a good idea to hire an architect who can help design exact plans and specifications so you can be certain you have a safe addition to your home. Next, a construction manager can help put the plans in place and find you the right contractors for the job. Here are a few you might have working on your addition:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Roofer
- HVAC Technician
- Painter
- Landscaper
- Cleaner
While not every project will call for each of these trades, most do. Even though a home addition may not include landscaping, your yard might not be in the best condition when the project is over and a landscaper can help. A cleaning crew can help get all the dust and debris out and have your home looking better than new again.
3. Consider Zoning Laws & Codes
While your architect and construction manager should be familiar with laws and local codes, it’s a good idea you get to know them as well. That way, you know the work is on track and in-line with what is legally required. You’ll also know if your dream addition specifications are allowed in your area, or if you’ll have to make changes to abide by your town’s ordinances.
4. Follow The Progress
In Delaware and Maryland, adding a new home addition is not something you will want to set and forget. Check-in regularly with the construction manager once the project is started. Voice your concerns about anything you see that might not be what was agreed upon. Understand that the construction manager can not be aware of what you do not mention to him. Ask questions if you have them so you can better understand what’s happening in your home. After all, you will be the one living here when it’s completed.
5. Prepare The Rest Of Your Home
Many homeowners don’t expect the mess that comes with a home addition. Think about the changes you are having done to your home. Much of your home and landscaping is likely to be affected by construction. But for a new, beautiful home addition, it’s worth it. Here are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare your home.
- Tape a light tarp or sheeting to any entryways nearby the construction. This eliminates the spread of dust through the home.
- Eliminate anything unnecessary from the yard, such as children’s toys, outdoor furniture, and more. This can get in the way of the professionals doing work on your home.
- Use a cloth or rug to cover your flooring where foot traffic will be frequent, so you avoid any potential damage.
- Move furniture out of the rooms that contractors will be working in or on.
6. Adapt To Lifestyle Changes
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when choosing to add an addition to their home is lifestyle changes. You’ll likely be living in the home as it’s being worked on, but some of your day-to-day comforts might be unavailable, depending on where you’re adding on to. Here are a few tips to make your life at home a little easier during a big change.
If you have small children living at home, keep them away from any and all construction. There’s plenty of safety hazards for them in the area. Safety for all is key.
Plan to cook a little differently if you’re adding on to or near your kitchen. Depending on your situation, you may want to invest in a mini-fridge and slow cooker to use during construction. That way, you can still cook at home even if your kitchen is under construction.
If you are bumping out a bathroom, plan to use the second bathroom in the home.
If the home addition means that you’re losing power, water, or your only bathroom for an extended amount of time, consider moving out for a time.
Conclusion
The home addition process is never perfect, remember to be flexible. Building an addition to your home is exciting and stressful. To have the best experience, follow these tips and guidelines.
