Home additions are a part of the homeownership journey that many individuals look forward to because they offer a larger and more functional space. A well-planned expansion will not just meet your needs but may also enhance the value of your home.
One of the main indicators that it's necessary to add more space to your home is the constant feeling that things are a bit congested. However, a lot of factors come into play before you can make your home expansion a reality.
If you’re considering some extra floor space for your home, here are some important factors to ensure your project flows seamlessly and is successful. And when you need a breather from all the planning, you might want to check out the
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Essential Considerations
If adding space to your home is something you’re looking forward to, here are some of the things you will need to take into account:
Assess Your Needs
Before expanding your home, it’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation of your current living space. For instance, you can consider your storage space. Are you having problems decluttering because of limited storage?
Does your kitchen have sufficient cabinets and counter space? Perhaps your living room can’t accommodate a family gathering. If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you need to expand your space.
Identify Your Long-Term Plans
Modern life comes with its own set of demands, and you might want to consider priming your home to suit remote work, an expanding family, hobbies, entertainment, and aging.
If you’re a remote worker, consider an exclusive workspace that will allow you to thrive without detractions. If you plan to grow old in your home, it’s wise to think about additions that will be age-friendly, for example, a ramp and a bedroom downstairs for easy access.
Define Your Goals
To get the most value from your home addition, you need to list your goals or have an idea of what you intend to achieve with your project. Here are some examples:
- Raising Your Property Value: If you want your home’s value to increase, consider additions like modern kitchens or luxury bathrooms that potential home buyers find attractive.
- Improving Your Home’s Appearance: If you’re looking to enhance your home’s aesthetics, the options are limitless. Decide on specific areas to work on and the additional features you will need. If yours is a registered historic home, you'll need to consult with historic preservation architects.
- Better Energy Efficiency: Sustainability is now a major consideration for property owners and if you’re keen on having a green home, consider using energy-saving features and eco-friendly materials in your added space.
- Enhanced Comfort: Perhaps you’re not achieving the kind of convenience and relaxation you need in your current space. Whether you need a larger living room or a wider corridor, your thoughts are valid and worth the effort.
Financial Planning
A home addition can be a costly venture, depending on your goals, and one of the surest ways to set things on the right path is to have a realistic budget. You can evaluate your current financial standing in terms of total savings to have an idea of what you can afford to spend without compromising your financial standing.
This is also the perfect time to research costs regarding materials, labor, and any other expenses that could arise from your home expansion. For instance, if you find the basic cost of addition per square foot in your area, you’ll be better placed to estimate how much you might spend.
Sometimes, you will need to consider financing options for your project. If your savings aren’t sufficient, consider taking a
home equity loan for better prospects of getting a lump sum. Construction loans are also an excellent consideration when you have a detailed project plan.
Finally, it’s important to note that you might encounter unforeseen costs as you progress with your project. The surest way to maintain your sanity through such challenges is to have a contingency fund. Experts generally recommend having at least 10-20% of your budget to cushion you and ensure your project isn’t derailed.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Any home addition project should be handled by a professional contractor to avoid a shoddy job that puts everyone at risk. You can find one by visiting local contractor websites. For better results, be specific with your search. For instance, you may only need to remodel your kitchen and, therefore, need the expertise of a kitchen remodeling contractor.
The chances are that you’ll be spoilt for choice with the number of contractors listed online. It’s advisable to get detailed quotes from several contractors after furnishing them with your project plan. When studying their costs, consider their timelines and the details included. A contractor who takes their time to create an elaborate quote is less likely to disappoint than one whose quote seems vague.
A good contractor should also have a list of references, preferably previous clients who are willing to showcase their successful projects. You can visit one such home, and if you find the results impressive, you can go ahead and hire them.
A successful home expansion offers lifelong results and a sense of pride to everyone involved. By following our guidelines and taking the time to make a well-detailed plan, you’re well on your way to achieving the space of your dreams.
