Home additions are a terrific way to add space and value to your property. If you have decided to take this significant step to improve your lifestyle, a thoughtful approach can ensure that the work goes smoothly.
Begin With Blue Sky Brainstorming
Begin by letting your imagination run free. You can scale back to reality later. Take a complete assessment of your home. Consider how much you use each room for various activities. In addition to adding square footage, are there special requirements to be addressed? For example, would you like a spot where you could sew or craft? Do you need additional closets and storage? What about a display area for a collection or built in bookshelves? Look online and in magazines to find pictures of additions that you admire.
Consult the Professionals
After you’ve collected all your ideas and assessed your budget, it’s time to call the professionals. A contractor can help you realistically align your remodeling dreams to your available cash. Experts can advise you on a myriad of financial questions such as how much of the budget to allow for unexpected circumstances, how to get the most out of every dollar and how much your new space will cost to heat, cool and illuminate.
Develop Your Plan
Your home’s architecture will have an impact on the orientation of any new structure. Additions can be built up or out, in the front of or in the back of the house. Your choice will probably be influenced by which plan makes the build-out appear as though it was part of the original design. While building out may be less disruptive, you will lose part of your yard space. Building out may also require zoning permits. Building up does not necessarily mean creating another level. You could choose to add dormers or a pitched roof to increase your footprint. If you do add another story, you’ll need to allow 80 to 120 square feet for a stairwell. These and many more issues can be discussed with a professional contractor to help ensure that you’ll have a solid plan.