How To Plan an Addition To Your Home

If you’re happy in your current home but could use some extra space, you might be considering a home addition, such as a bedroom, office, or in-law suite. This could be the perfect way to accommodate the growing needs of your household without having to move!

While it is undoubtedly exciting for you to think about your new space and its layout, try not to get caught up in the design details just yet. Your first and most important step should be hiring a professional remodeling contractor who has extensive experience in completing the type of project you have in mind.

Choose the Right Home Remodeling Contractor

The importance of working with the right contractor cannot be overstated. Unless you have professional experience and ample time, the job of adding square footage to your home is just too big and involved for you to contract out and manage on your own. But this does not mean you should take a hands-off approach (unless, of course, you want to). On the contrary, a good contractor will encourage you to remain involved in every phase of the project—to the extent you choose—from start to finish.

To help ensure you select the right contractor to complete your home addition, you’ll want to do some research upfront. Ask your neighbors for recommendations, read reviews, schedule interviews, and take a firsthand look at some of the projects the contractor has recently completed. Also, keep in mind that the contractor you choose not only should have the necessary skills and expertise but also should be someone you trust—and like. After all, completing a home addition can be a lengthy process and the contractor will be coming into your home. Make sure you feel completely comfortable before you make your final decision.

Key Points to Consider

Here are some planning tips to help you start your home addition project off on the right foot—and keep it on course throughout its duration:

• Set your objectives – Think carefully about what you want to achieve with your home addition. After discussing your lifestyle and inspecting your home with your contractor, confirm how the changes you envision will improve both.
• Seek inspiration – Once you have determined the end goal of your project, source some ideas for the design, layout, color schemes, and functionality of your new space.
• Decide what you need – Think about the physical amenities you would like to include in your home addition, such as a walk-in shower, soaker tub, carpeting or other flooring, wall coverings, light fixtures, heat and air conditioning, etc.
• Consider any legal requirements – You may need to apply for a permit to build an addition on your home. Any necessary plans or surveys can generally be acquired from the local Registry of Deeds. Your contractor should be able to take care of these requirements for you.
• Determine the cost – When planning your expenses, you’ll need to account for every last detail, including not only the contracting and material costs but also the permitting and utility evaluations. Your contractor can help you set a realistic budget to accommodate your home addition goals.

If you would like to discuss your home addition ideas with a qualified remodeler, contact G & S Remodeling. We’re an award-winning, full-scale home remodeling contractor based in Plano, Texas, and we’ve been serving homeowners in the north Dallas suburbs since 2006. We specialize in home additions, and we will be happy to meet with you at your convenience to explore and develop your vision. Reach out today!