Improving your home with an addition can be exciting, but there’s some serious and careful planning required before you’ll be ready.
1. Outline Your Goals
Sit down with your spouse or partner and frankly discuss what you each want your home addition to accomplish for you. Are you hoping to dedicate the new space to a specific task or are you just looking for more elbow room?
You should make sure the addition will deliver on your goals for the cost you’ll invest into the project.
Schedule an inspection of your home. Assess your lifestyle. Consider how the addition can improve on both before settling on your project.
2. Get Inspired
Find yourself some inspiration on design, layout, and the practicality of the new space.
You should spend some time researching products, materials, and color schemes.
Buying guides, home design magazines, Pinterest and even show houses are great ways to narrow down what you’re looking for.
3. Gather Permits and Permissions
You’ll need to apply for a permit to make certain extensions to your home.
Make sure you have plot plans of your property to ensure an extension does not breach property lines. Plans and surveys of your home can usually be acquired from a local Registry of Deeds at your city hall or town hall.
4. Budget Wisely
Budget is the primary factor influencing your home addition, and whether your ambitions can be realized.
Take every detail into account. This includes contracting and material costs but also permits and utility evaluations.
An architect or renovation expert may be able to help in determining a realistic budget to help accommodate your extension goals.
5. Screen your contractors
The success of your home addition depends on the quality and professionalism of the people you’re working with.
Do your homework before settling on a particular contractor. Look for contractors with extensive experience and good recommendations.
You can also request samples of a contractor’s work and do a background check with the Better Business Bureau.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]