Home Addition Planning

Adding onto your home is an exciting prospect. From a single room to a major expansion, home additions are excellent ways to upgrade your home without moving to a new neighborhood. As you dream about creating new living space for bedrooms, bathrooms or another living room, here are some tips for your home addition planning.

Check Out Zoning Laws

Every major building project requires permits. Check with your local, state and federal zoning and building laws before going too far into the planning phase. Some communities have restrictions on alterations, while many areas are free with the ways you can alter your home. However, following these laws may change the way you think about your addition.

Consider Curb Appeal

Some home additions meld seamlessly together with the original outline of a home. Others become a blocky portion jutting directly from the main building in contrast to its design. As you talk with a builder, don’t forget to consider it from an exterior angle. Look for ways to keep your curb appeal and make your addition look like a unified part of your home.

Don’t Overprice Your Neighborhood

Before you double your square footage, it’s helpful to talk to a realtor or check out homes in your area. An addition may not add much value to your house if your home is already one of the most expensive on the block. Consider keeping your house and your addition in line with other homes to maximize the value of your investment.

Find a Professional Contractor

Finally, home additions are notoriously challenging. Even the smallest project includes a detailed understanding of your home’s framework, installing new framework, plumbing, electrical and more, it’s essential that you choose a professional contractor who is skilled with additions. Don’t just choose anyone who can build, but select a local professional builder who is experienced with the scale of project you’re looking at.