Building an Add-On to Your House? Here's What You Need to Know

So, you're thinking about building an addition onto your home? Whether you're looking to add another bedroom, bathroom, or just some extra living space, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before starting construction. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the most important factors to keep in mind when planning an addition to your home.

Zoning Laws and Building Permits

The first thing you need to do before starting any construction on your property is make sure that you're in compliance with all local zoning laws and that you have the proper permits. Depending on the size and scope of your project, you may need to obtain a variance from your city or county in order to proceed. Failing to do your due diligence here could result in costly delays or even require you to tear down your finished project, so it's best to get everything squared away from the start.

HOA Approval

If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you'll also need to obtain approval from them before beginning any work on your home. HOAs have different rules and regulations governing what types of changes homeowners can make to their properties, so it's important to make sure you're not in violation of any of their covenants before proceeding.

The Cost of Construction

Of course, one of the most important factors to consider before adding on to your home is how much it's going to cost. The price tag for an addition will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the materials you use, and whether or not you hire a professional contractor or try to do it yourself. Once you've got a good handle on what your budget is going to be, you can start making decisions about the rest of the project.

The Type of Addition You Want

Are you looking to add an extra bedroom? A home office? A sunroom? The type of addition you want will have a big impact on both the cost and complexity of the project, so it's important to know what you want before getting too far into the planning process. In some cases, adding an extension or addition onto a home may require concrete leveling services in order to ensure a level floor before laying down new foundations. Be sure to ask prospective contractors if they offer these services so that they can provide an accurate quote before beginning work on the project itself. 

How Much Space You Have

Another important consideration is how much space you actually have available for an addition. If your lot is on the small side or if there are already structures close by, that could limit the size and scope of your project. It's also worth noting that any additions made to your home will likely decrease its resale value if they stick out like a sore thumb or don't fit in with the surrounding architecture—so keep that in mind as well.

The Location of Your Addition

Another thing to think about is where exactly on your property you want to build your addition. If you're hoping to add an extra bedroom, for example, building it above the garage might make more sense than tacking it onto the side of your house where it would stick out like a sore thumb. Likewise, if you're planning on using your new space as a home office or den, adding windows might be a priority so that you can enjoy natural light during the day.

The Impact on Your Home's Exterior

 It's also important to think about how building an addition will impact your home's exterior appearance—both now and down the road. If possible, try to match the materials and style of your existing home so that everything looks cohesive once construction is complete. And if not? Well, just be prepared for potential buyers down the road who might not appreciate having an eyesore right next door.

The Impact on Your Home's Interior

Of course, it's not just the outside of your house that will be affected by an addition—the interior will change as well (potentially quite drastically). Be sure to plan your project with this in mind, as it could mean the difference between an extra bedroom and a cramped, uncomfortable space. If possible, try to plan ahead for things like where furniture will go and how traffic will flow through your new space so that everything feels open and airy once construction is complete.

Getting Permits 

The next step is getting all the proper permits in place before starting any construction work on your house. Depending on where you live, this may require filing paperwork with both local authorities and homeowner associations (if applicable). It’s also important that any contractor you hire is licensed and insured so they can legally work on your property without putting anyone at risk in case of accidents or injuries during construction. 

Preparing Your Home for Construction 

Before beginning any kind of construction work on your home, it’s essential that you prepare it properly. This includes moving all furniture away from the area where construction will be taking place and covering up floors with plastic sheeting or drop cloths for protection against dust and debris from falling tools or other materials used during construction work. Additionally, if there are windows near where work will be done, make sure they are securely boarded up until after the project is completed.

Adding an extra room or structure onto your house can be a great way to increase its value while creating additional space for yourself and your loved ones. But before starting any major home improvement projects, there are some key things you need to know—from planning out design details to making sure all necessary permits are in place. Following these simple steps should help ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible throughout the entire process.