So you’re finally serious about adding that addition on to your home? The one that you’ve been talking about for years. The time has finally come, and you want to make it the best experience possible. When beginning the process of adding an addition, it is important to be very thorough with every step. Here are some questions you will want to ask before making any final decisions:
- How much money do you have budgeted for the addition? When going into the process, you will be talking to a lot of different contractors, deciding which will best fit your needs. You want to know, realistically, what you are willing to and can spend. For the addition, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot. On top of that, you can’t forget all of the extra costs you will be adding due to the addition, like an increase in electric bills and property taxes. You want to consider all of this before going into talking to contractors.
- Is there a lower-budget way of getting what you want? Before adding an addition, make sure there is no other option to get what you want. An addition can get expensive, so if there is a simpler way to get what you want, you may want to find it. For example, if you want an addition because you feel like you need more home space, make sure you consider other ways to create more space, like using the basement or attic, or rearranging your home to make it more spacious. Be certain that an addition is absolutely necessary, especially taking into consideration the money you will be spending.
- Will the addition add value to your home? On the other hand, additions can also give you some sort of payback in the long run. When creating an addition, consider things like where you live and what amenities people in your area would look for. Then, if you decide in the future to sell your home, you can get a higher payback because of the addition to your home.
- Are there zoning constrictions to consider? This is very important. Most municipalities have rules about what you can build and where. There may also be more specific laws depending on where you live. You will want to check with your local building department before making any plans for your addition.
- Will the addition blend with the rest of your home? You don’t want an addition that looks totally out of place, so you need to make sure you can design it in a way so that it looks like it is supposed to be a part of the house. You will need to make sure the rooflines can connect properly, that the interior and exterior materials flow with the style of the house, and that the windows and utilities can properly match the house.
Adding on to your home is something to take very seriously. Make sure you take all things into consideration before officially beginning an addition project. You want to make sure that adding on to your home is going to be beneficial for you, your family, and the future.
