What do you do when you love your home and the neighborhood where you live but you need more space? If you have the available land there is always the opportunity to expand. Building up is also an option.
Adding on to your house is a major expense. When considering the cost you should also think about the resale value. Having an emotional attachment can impact your bottom line down the road so do your research before moving forward.
On the flipside, meeting the growing needs of your family or treating yourself with a bonus room shouldn’t be overlooked. Continue reading to learn more about building onto your house.
1. Adding on to Your House Requires Financing
Weigh your options before making a final decision. One way to do that is by doing a cost comparison for building onto your house. There are several online remodeling calculators you can use to get a sound estimate.
Afterward, determine how you will finance your project. If you do not have cash on hand, you will need to borrow the money. Your choices are using the equity in your home or taking out a loan.
2. Work with an Architect
You will need an architect to create a rendering for your home addition. A successful relationship starts with having someone on your side with the same style, taste, and belief in your project as you do.
Don’t hold back on expressing your ideas. Even if your dreams exceed your budget. The architect may still be able to work in some details that are important to you.
3. Hire a General Contractor
Once you have the blueprints it’s time to find a general contractor with experience in home additions. A good way to start your search is by asking for recommendations from family and friends. Home service sites are also a good source.
After narrowing down your search check their credentials and make they are licensed and insured. Get a minimum of three estimates before proceeding.
4. Select Your Exterior Materials
The next big step to building onto your house deciding on the exterior features. You’ll need to decide if you will stick with the existing features of the existing house.
Perhaps you will want to choose color schemes that are popular now. It may also be a good opportunity to upgrade windows, doors and even put on a new roof.
5. Choose the Interior Designs
As you near the completion of the project it will be time to think about your interior features. This will probably be the most exciting part of adding on to a house.
This is the part where you choose your flooring, lighting, and furnishings. The final stage is pulling all of your ideas together and celebrating your new addition.
Are You Ready to Build?
These are the major things you will deal with when adding on to your house? It may seem overwhelming in the beginning. Just keep thinking about the finished addition.
Looking for more information and inspiration? Check out our home advice section.