Planning for any home renovation requires a lot of forethought and preparation. Some home projects may only require a few days of your time and thought, but the planning and preparation process for a home addition is more extensive and time-consuming. The following tips for planning a home addition will ensure the entire process is as quick and painless as possible.
Create an action plan
As with any home renovation, one of the best tips for planning a home addition is to do your research ahead of time and create a concrete action plan. Building a reliable action plan will ensure that you stay on track throughout the entirety of the build and that your overarching design vision will continue to shine in the end product. Start by outlining the basic details of the project, including the location, dimensions, and style of the addition. From there, you’ll be able to better visualize the end product and create a more realistic budget for the build. When building your budget, be sure to consider the cost of materials and labor. You’ll also want to consider the intended timeline for the project. Establishing and sticking to a detailed action plan will ensure that the home addition doesn’t consume your entire life.
Obtain the proper permits
Once you’ve established a vision for the project, you can begin taking more concrete steps toward the end goal. For starters, you’ll need to assess the intended location for your home renovation in relation to your property lines. Ensure that the intended location for the addition won’t interfere with your neighbor’s property or your own utility lines. You may also want to notify your neighbors in advance of the project so that no one files any angry complaints against you. You’ll also need to obtain the proper construction permits prior to beginning construction. Permit requirements vary from city to city, so be sure to consult your local ordinance offices before beginning construction. Generally, most home renovations don’t require a building permit. If the scope of your project is quite extensive, however, it may be in your best interests to obtain a permit and cover all your bases.
Build the best crew
Even if you consider yourself a DIY expert and feel quite confident at completing any construction task, you may still want to employ a professional construction crew to build your home addition. Home additions are more extensive than other home renovations, and it’s important that they’re completed properly. Hiring a professional construction crew and contractor will ensure that your home addition is constructed according to necessary fire and safety requirements and that it’s completely stable and sound. This will also reduce the likelihood of construction errors and structural issues in the future.
