If you’ve been dreaming of a recreation room, a home office, or an extra bedroom, keep in mind that a home addition takes lots of planning. While a home addition will increase your property value, the decisions on what and how to accomplish your vision can be overwhelming. To make the process easier, here are 5 things to consider before you get started.
What Do You Need the Extra Space For?
Is your kitchen too small for your family? Are you having another child? Are your parents moving in with you? Do you need a space for the kids to play? Do you work from home? Would you like to increase the value of your home? It’s important to assess your needs and decide what will give you the most satisfaction. Then take into account some of the details: the size of the room needed; additional features like closets, windows, a bathroom; the timing; how the addition complements the rest of your home.
What is Your Budget?
Next on the list is budget. Look into what the average costs for home additions are in your area. Contact friends and families in the neighborhood who have recently renovated their home to get a ballpark idea. It’s also a good idea to talk to an architect to get their perspective on costs for the design and the labor. Discussing your plans with a financial advisor is also a great idea. He will be able to give perspective on whether taking out a second mortgage or a home improvement loan is a good option for you.
What Are You Inspired By?
Make a list that includes mandatory design details, and a wish list for more luxury items. Pull photos of creative spaces with features that you love. Grab a pencil and paper to sketch out your ideas. There are also some computer tools that you can play around with to visualize your ideas: Google Sketchup, PadCad, Homestyler, Roomsketcher. After you have a clear vision for the new space, an architect and designer can bring your dream to life.
Get an Estimate
Next, get an estimate for the project. The more preparation you put into your plan, the better estimate you will receive. It’s important to be upfront about your budget, your must haves, and your wish list. All of these things will help your remodeler give you the best estimate for the work. Sometimes it may take two or three revisions and conversations about the details in the estimate to meet your expectations.
Create a Timeline
Start your timeline at the due date. Let your contractor know when you need to have the addition completed. Also let them know if there are any parts of your house that will be in use near the addition, so that you have access to everything you need while in the construction phase. If you are hosting a party at your house, ensure that the work will be done at least a month in advance. There are many things that end up taking longer than expected in the construction phase, so put a cushion in your timeline. This will alleviate a lot of stress.
It’s important to think about your home’s resale value. An addition will boost the value, but you will also want to make sure that it’s not too customized. Balancing your needs with future home owners’ expectations will give you the most for your money when you go to sell.
Creativity makes all the difference in remodeling your home! Becraft Plus has vast experience creating new additions for customers.
Contact Us (301-929-3401) For a Free Consultation!
—
About Becraft Plus
Since 1989, Becraft Plus has provided customized design and construction services to customers in the Washington, D.C. area. We specialize in custom home building, additions and remodeling, and whole house renovations with a focus on creating living spaces that are tailored to the needs of our clients.
>> Learn More
