Building a home addition can be an excellent real estate investment – not to mention a necessity for those who . Once your addition is complete, you can rent out the secondary suite to help pay off your mortgage or supplement your income. But first, you will need to hire a few professionals who can streamline your project and help you avoid common pitfalls that can delay your build. Here are some key professionals to add to your home addition building team.

A Mortgage Broker

If you will need a loan to fund your build, work with a mortgage broker who can help you explore your financial options.

• Many people decide to refinance their mortgage to pay for major projects like home additions.
• You can also take out a personal to get the cash you need for your building project.
• While you may be tempted to capitalize on credit card rewards, be careful about using your credit cards for major renovation expenses.

An Architect

You will need to hire an architect to help design your home addition so that it is functional and aesthetically pleasing and boosts your home’s value.

• Make sure you work with a designer who will incorporate by-law requirements and building codes into your design.
• Before hiring an , learn about how to find and select the best architect for your home project.

A General Contractor

Building a home addition is a big job and not one that you should attempt to coordinate and oversee on your own.

• are responsible for hiring and managing subcontractors.
• Your contractor will obtain the permits you need to complete your build legally.
• A great contractor will also work with you to control the costs of your project and keep everything .

Subcontractors

Several different subcontractors are involved in home additions. Hiring specialized professionals will ensure every project gets done right the first time.

• You’re going to need electrical work done. Hire a licensed electrician so you can avoid electrical failures and hazardous malfunctions.
• You will also need to hire an HVAC professional to determine if your existing equipment can handle the additional load of your home addition.
• When everything is finished, hire painters to give your secondary suite a professional paint job that will last for years.

Building an addition to your home can be a very exciting process, but it also takes a lot of planning and skill. Make sure you have the right professionals on your side to ensure your project is a success.

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Does your house seem to be feeling increasingly smaller? Perhaps your family has spent too much time cramped together over the past year, there is a new baby on the way, or you simply need some extra space for the home office or hobbies. If moving isn’t a desirable option, it is finally time to add more square footage to your house. How do you go about it? How do you plan a successful home addition?

This article discusses the steps involved in a home addition, how to make sure you are not in violation of zoning regulations, what to consider when building an addition, and how to budget for the project.

Stages Involved in Planning a Home Addition

1. Define your goal(s).

The first process in planning a home addition is clarifying what you want to achieve. You might find the idea for your home addition on the internet or in a magazine. However, you can’t afford to move ahead without pausing to think about how it would play out in real life.

Define the purpose of the home addition. Are you increasing your home’s square footage to increase the value or are you trying to build a private retreat for yourself? It is imperative to specify the size of your home addition as well as the layout and the materials to be used in the design and construction

2. Ask the right questions.

You need to ask the right questions to get the right answers for your home addition project. To get some ideas, check out home addition before and after pictures on . Here are some questions to ask:

a) How much is it going to cost? You need to research and get a general estimate of how much home additions cost in your area, and then, factor in the specifics of your home and the extension. Prepare a budget for your project.

b) Is it going to be worth it? A rough estimate of the cost of the project will be valuable here, as you will be able to compare the potential benefits to the expense. If your goal is to raise the value of the house, a costly extension project may not prove to be worth the cost. Discuss your home renovation with a local realtor to understand the impact it will have on your home’s overall value.

On the other hand, if your goal is to improve the standard of living for you and your family, you may be able to rationalize the project expenses. Many people are willing to take on the expense if they are planning to stay in their home for the long run.

c) How much will the addition affect the layout of your home? It is critical to consider how the home addition will change the current layout of your home, and the flow. For example, adding a new floor to your home will also require you to build a stairway for access, and you’ll need to find a spot where a stairway makes sense.

d) How much space do you have for a home addition? Find out how much space your current home layout allows for additions. You should also check in with your zoning department to learn more about setbacks in your area. We’ll discuss more about zoning regulations later in this article.

e) Is a home addition really your only option? You may be better off making the best use of your current home layout by repurposing rooms and moving walls rather than adding a completely new structure.

3. Understand the different types of home addition projects.

You have several options when it comes to choosing and planning a home addition. They include:

• Building an additional floor: This can often be the most effective way to add extra space to your home and can significantly increase the resale value. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive and the costs can easily run in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ensure that your home can handle a second-floor addition by hiring a builder or architect to inspect it.

• Finishing your basement: A common way to create additional space in a house is to excavate the basement. You can use the extra space to build a basement apartment, a home office, a home theater, or an entertainment area.

• Turning your porch into a sunroom: If your front porch is a top relaxation spot for you and your family, you can consider enclosing it and turning it into a sunroom. Add comfy furniture, heating, and lighting to create an extra living space.

• Finishing your attic: You can transform your dusty, old attic into habitable space by making sure at least half of the ceiling reaches seven feet, and a stairway connects the attic to the rest of the house. Finished attics can be great guest bedrooms and playrooms.

• Add an extension to the side, front, or back of your home: Side and back home extensions are pretty common. Front extensions are less common, and you need to check to see if your district allows for them. You need to work with an expert in planning home extensions to ensure the design is compatible with your home layout.

• Building cantilever additions: Cantilevers, also called bump-out additions or room additions, are micro-extensions of rooms which are supported by joists and internal structures. They usually vary in size, from as small as 2 feet to as large as 10 feet. Cantilever additions can make up space for walk-in wardrobe closets, kitchen counters, an eating area in the kitchen, and a separate master bathroom and shower.

4. Visit your local zoning department.

It is important to check in with the zoning department to find out what you need permits for. Taking the time to find out what is allowed and what is not can keep you from paying very heavy fines. Your home addition project must comply with established building standards in your municipality. Unpermitted work might cause problems when it’s time to sell. Although it is not illegal to , sellers are required to disclose any additions or unpermitted renovations to a buyer.

Find out where you’re legally allowed to build. Zoning laws and building codes vary across municipalities but your building is generally required to be set back from the property line at least 20 feet on the front, 5-10 feet on both sides and about 15 feet on the back. Sometimes, there is a maximum allowable height for houses. This can limit how high you can build up. Also, having utility lines close to your home can affect where you can build.

It is critical to check in with the zoning department as early as possible to obtain the necessary information. It is possible to get a variance for your addition project, but they are the exception, not the rule.

5. Collaborate with vetted contractors.

The importance of collaborating with reputable contractors cannot be overstated. Unless you have the professional experience and time required, you may find yourself overwhelmed quickly. Don’t let the cost of hiring a contractor deter you from doing things right. Keep in mind that you can negotiate costs with your contractor. You can offer to take on some of the work yourself in exchange for a reduced price.

You should meet with to discuss the project, the anticipated timeline, and possible cost-saving strategies. A contractor may be helpful in referring you to an architect or a structural engineer to inspect the project plans.

Working with a contractor with years of experience under his or her belt can save you time, money, and a lot of heartache. Be sure that all costs are spelled out in the working contract to avoid any unforeseen expenses.

6. Create your plan.

You may decide to work with a ‘design-build contractor’ or an architect in designing your home addition plans. A design-build contractor is a building contractor who works without an architectural company, choosing instead to employ an in-house designer to design the plans. Whoever you choose, look at their past completed projects to evaluate if they are the right fit for your project.

7. Get your permits.

Obtain (or make sure your contractor will get) all necessary permits for your home addition project. Contact your municipality and inquire about the permits required for your project. If stated in the contract, your contractor can get the permits on your behalf.

8. Consider moving out, temporarily, or setting start and stop times for the work crew.

Unless you’re perfectly fine with being assaulted with the constant thrumming of power tools, you should consider moving out until construction is completed. If you cannot move out, be sure to establish start and stop times for the construction crew. This will allow you to plan your day and anticipate potential disturbances.

9. Set a reasonable overage to cover hidden costs.

Hidden costs will come during a home addition project, such as septic upgrades, costs of obtaining permits, and an increase in property taxes due to the added square footage. Allow as much as 10 to 20% of your total projected expenses as overage to curtail sneaky costs. You might not need it, but it will come handy if things don’t turn out as planned.

How Much Should I Budget for a Home Addition?

You can carry out your own research about what your home addition plans may cost before getting in touch with a contractor. Researching previous projects in your area will help give you a rough estimate. After getting a rough estimate, you may have to meet with multiple contractors to find the right fit for your project.

Each home addition project is different, so the expenses vary too. A second story addition could cost around $100,000 – $500,000 while a building with a sunroom might cost about $10,000 – $30,000. Only a professional contractor can give you an accurate estimate of how much the project expenses will likely be. Factors that should be put into consideration when drawing up your budget are local zoning regulations, the size of your project, the design, the home addition design software or labor, and materials to be used.

You can choose to finance the addition yourself or investigate options for various loans.

Can I Draw My Own Plans for an Addition?

You might be wondering if you really need an architect to draw out plans and create a home addition checklist for your addition.

You can incorporate real photos while creating a visual for your home renovation project by using home addition design software like . These programs let you create 3D home addition plans and room addition plans quickly and easily, even if you have no design experience.

And while it might be possible for you or your builder to construct plans that will be accepted by the local building department, it is not recommended to forego a licensed architect on a home addition project.

Architects typically have a wealth of expertise and knowledge that is rare to come by in designers and most design-build contractors. A licensed architect will help you make the best of your home’s space and layout and come up with improvements that your contractor can bring to life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a home addition can be an excellent way to add more living space to your house. You should be clear on what you want before you start construction. Build the right team, learn about zoning laws, create a home addition checklist, and set the right budget for the project. Home additions can be easy to get right when you take care of the basics.

AUTHOR BIO: Agnes A Gaddis is a freelance writer and blogger from New Jersey. She writes about investing, real estate, mortgages, and marketing. She is a contributing writer for Mashvisor, Rentals.com and Inman news. She’s a big fan of caramel coffee and mystery novels. Get in touch with her on Twitter @Alanagaddis or .

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When you and your family first moved into your new home, everything seemed so spacious. Your kids ran through the halls and played in the living spaces without any hitch. You were able to throw parties and have enough space for all your guests.

As the years went by, however, your kids have grown, and suddenly, everything feels cramped. When you and someone else in your household pass each other in the kitchen, one has to slide sideways or back up just so someone can walk through. One of your kids now wants a room of his or her own. The queue to the house’s sole bathroom is becoming more unbearable with each passing day

When faced with the above situation, you will then be left with the decision to buy a new home or build a home addition. However, before you start breaking down walls, there are several things that you need to consider.

Your budget

It goes without saying that a home addition is going to cost you some money. Of course, the total cost would vary depending on the work you want done. You can expect to spend somewhere between $20,000 to $65,000 for a typical home addition according to . If you want to add a large common room to your house, prepare to spend even more. Always check your finances and make sure you can afford the home addition before initiating one.

Your available space

You can dream up any home addition you want, but you will always be limited by your available space. So when planning your home addition, make sure you have enough room for your project. You can build your home out, or you can build on top of your home.  You also have to research existing HOA rules and the zoning requirements in your area so you’ll know which type of addition you can do, or if you’re even allowed to do the construction you have in mind. Study your options and make sure you have the budget to implement your choice effectively.

Prepare contingencies

When there is construction going on in a house you and your family are living in, everyone is going to be bothered by the noise, the workers coming in and out of the house, and all the dust and debris the work kicks up. If the work is being done in a remote part of the house, then it would be more tolerable. However, if the construction work is concentrated in a part of the house that everybody uses on a daily basis, perhaps you should think about temporary housing for everyone until the home addition is done.

Work with professionals

A home addition involves significant building work. Good for you if you know a thing or two about construction, but if you want everything to be done in the most professional manner possible, then the best thing you can do is to get the services of a competent and reputable contractor. Only a licensed contractor has the expertise, skills, and equipment to turn your plans into reality exactly the way you want it.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp International. This article was written by Victoria Grace. Victoria Grace works as a content specialist for. Victoria has written scores of articles about the construction industry. She loves doing other types of writing though, having written several fan fiction short stories that she has submitted to various publications and websites.

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