When it comes to owning your own home, it’s safe to say that you’re always going to want to make it your own. For this reason, you’re likely to choose a property that’s a little bit older and needs work doing. Although it can be a big job to take on a project like this, you know that it’s the best way to create a home that you really love. And that’s all we ever want, right? A calm home that just feels perfect for us! So, a lot of the time, you think about the different ways that you can transform the space and make it into exactly what you need it to be. To do this, adding an addition is a great idea.
But when you throw the idea of adding an addition to the mix, you often worry that you’re taking on too much. And this post is here to tell you that you’re not. Adding an addition is a way that you can really make it your own. Not only will you get more space, but you can often rejig the layout a little bit and make sure that it really is the perfect place for you. If you are a little wary of what this might involve, what it’s likely to cost (well, a ballpark figure), and how long it will take, we’re going to walk through everything that you need to know about adding an addition.
Adding An Addition To Your Home
Make Sure It’s Feasible
First of all, you really do need to make sure that this is actually going to be possible. A lot of the time, you will be okay to add an addition – space wise, but you can’t always just assume. You have to be very realistic about the space that you have, and what you’re going to be able to do with it. As you may know, you have to get permission and permits to be able to build, and the regulations can be incredibly strict. So it’s important that you’re not giving yourself expectations that you just won’t be able to meet.
Hire An Architect
You’re also going to need to hire an architect. When you’re adding an addition, you need design drawings of what it will look like – and they need to be accurate. Finding an architect may seem like a lot of work, but you’d be surprised by how many will be in your area. Take a couple of meetings to find someone that you like, then work with them to come up with a plan that you love.
Get Permission
Then, you are going to have to apply for permission and any permits that you need. This can be a complicated process, so don’t get your hopes up until everything is signed off and you’re given the green light to move forward with your build. There is every chance that this process could take months, not weeks – so just be prepared!
Know What Work You Need Doing
Both during the planning process and after, you should get to know exactly what work that you need doing. Sometimes, it will be really simple – such as hiring your contractor and letting them get to work. But sometimes, you may also need special services such as https://www.helitechonline.com/concrete-leveling/ before the full build can begin. Knowing what work will need doing is a great way to make sure that you are efficient with the project, and that you have the budget saved for everything.
Shop Around For Quotes
When it comes to hiring a contractor, you need to make sure you get a range of quotes. You’ll also find tips such as https://lifehacker.com/5578353/how-to-hire-a-contractor-without-getting-hosed are helpful to you here. It’s important to find the best person for the job, and avoid issues with quality or price before you get started.
Consider Hiring A Project Manager
Depending on the contractor or architect that you choose at the start, you may or may not want to bring in a project manager. Sometimes, either of the firms above may offer this to you – which can be a great help. If not, consider hiring one – unless you want to micromanage the project itself, which can be a lot of work.
Be Realistic With Your Budget
Next, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re very realistic about how much everything will cost. By now, you’ve already spent out on your architect, your planning, and you would have quotes from contractors and potentially project managers too. So work out whether or not you’ve got enough saved for this. At the same time, you may also need to make sure that you’re budgeting correctly for the fittings and fixtures you want, as these are easy to forget about.
Overestimate The Timings
From here, you also then need to be generous with your timescales. You may want the work completed in three months, but that may not be possible. You’ll want to get estimates from your contractor and other professionals just to make sure that you’re aware of how long it will take.
Choose Your Materials Carefully
Based on what we’ve just covered, you should also be sure to choose your materials carefully. If you’ve budgeted for the best and you’ve got a healthy contingency budget set waiting in case you need it, then go ahead and order the Italian marble counters. But if not, you need to be realistic. Your materials can really bump up the price, so be sure that you’re conscious of how you’re choosing them.
Go With A Pro Or DIY
Finally, we have the interior design. For this, you may want to consider hiring an interior designer. It’s not something that everyone will want to do, but when you’re adding an addition for a significant amount, you’ll want to make sure that you can get the design right. A professional can help to blend it with your existing decor or take on all of it to make sure that you get the finish that you’ve been hoping for.
Now you have a good idea of what to expect and even plan for before you start adding an addition to your home. Hopefully, this will prepare you better for the stress that may be coming throughout the process. Take your time, do your research, and make wise choices.
Have you recently taken on adding an addition to your home? Do you have other suggestions for my readers? Please tell us in the comment box below.
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