Building an addition to your home is a big step. The time, expense, and labour included make this a project to consider seriously. Make sure you consider every possible scenario before you embark on this project. Start with these four tips that are sure to help you achieve exactly what you want from your home renovation.
Make legal matters a priority
It might come as a surprise that you do not necessarily have the automatic legal right to add to your home. Many communities, townships and homeowners associations require permission for home additions. You will need to ensure that your property lines are accurate as well. You can generally find this information on your original deed. It may be worth the time and minimal investment to have your property resurveyed before any building takes place.
Carefully plan your budget
What you want and what you can afford might be two different things. Start your planning with a specific budget in mind. Figure out the maximum amount you can afford and do not go beyond that number. The home construction company you work with will want to know exactly how much you can spend on home additions. Homeowners sometimes prefer not to divulge this number out of fear that the home remodelling company will charge more for their services. Nothing could be further from the truth. Construction companies need an accurate dollar amount so they can quote a realistic project at the price you can afford.
Special Note: When planning your budget, don't forget to include all related expenses. Permits, licenses, electrical work and interior furnishings as well.
Talk to a variety of builders
Do not choose one builder and decide they are your only option. Ask for quotes from at least three different home renovation companies. You can find these companies in a variety of manners. Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations. Look online for companies in your area with excellent reviews. You can even drive through neighbourhoods and look at homes that have recent additions. The builder usually keeps a sign with a phone number and web address in the yard of that house.
Once you narrow down your list of builders, you can talk with them on the phone. Ask for free quotes for your project. You can then compare these quotes with one another to make sure each company is providing reasonable services and pricing models. You also need to pay special attention to the length of time the home construction companies state the project will take to complete. You may want to ask specific questions of a company that offers a significantly longer or shorter time frame than the others.
Consider the return on investment
One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is to make a significant investment in a home without considering if the amount spent can be recouped. An addition that maximizes living space for a relatively low cost, generally offers the best ROI. Decks and porches are inexpensive but add to the livability and beauty of a home. The ROI is usually very high. Likewise, an addition that increases the size of your kitchen will almost always give you an excellent return. Other additions, like a sunroom or an extra bedroom, are good options as well.
While it is wise to think about the ROI of the project, it is equally smart to remember the addition is not solely about money. It would help if you also thought about how much use or pleasure you will receive from the addition yourself. If you have always wanted a craft room, billiards hall or conservatory, you should not let a lower ROI keep you from living your dream.
I see folks and their projects that should have spent more time planning per your list!
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