How to Build a Home Addition

There are several ways to build a home addition. You can be the general contractor and hire trades to do the work, you can hire a remodeling / build firm, or you can do all or some of the work yourself. Before any construction begins a well thought out plan needs to be created. Your home addition must meet local building codes, your homes structure should be analyzed by a professional architect and your budget should be realistic.

Instructions

1. 

   SET YOUR GOALS
   A home addition can add value to your home and at the same time create the space of your dreams. Create a wish list of the things that you want to have in your addition. Size, materials, location and how you plan to use your new space. An addition will be worth the expense and effort if you are planning to live in your house for at least another three to five years.

2. 

   CREATE A BUDGET
   Every project needs a budget. Your budget will determine your material selections, the size of your project and how much sweat equity you will have to put into your project. Decide on a budget but realize that usually a remodeling addition will go over budget. Be sure to check with your local building inspector about any codes that need to be followed before investing your money.

3. 

   HIRE A DESIGNER
   A good interior designer will help make your vision come true. Have an interior designer draw up a plan and advise you on your material selections. After you and your designer have a plan the next step is to hire an architect.

4. 

   HIRE AN ARCHITECT
   An architect will draw the plans for your addition. Before your plans are drawn you must be sure that your walls and foundation are able to handle your project and this can usually be done by the architect or a home inspector who will do a walk through of your home.

5. 

   INTERVIEW CONTRACTORS
   Most people hire a remodeling contracting firm to do all of the work. Remodeling firms usually have qualified workers who they use on a regular basis. Tradesmen working for contractors usually do better work because they know they will be getting more jobs from the remodeling firm in the future. Also, tradesmen will offer discounts to remodeling firms because of the quantity of work that they get from them. If you decide to be the general contractor and hire your own workers you run the risk of not getting the best service. Always check the remodel firms references and tour some of their projects.

6. 

   DECIDE WHAT YOU CAN DO YOURSELF
   Before signing a contract with a remodeling firm decide what part of the project you may want to do yourself. Would you enjoy demolition? Or is painting and staining something that you would like to tackle? If you are working with a contractor decide before they propose a contract what portions of the project you want to do yourself.

7. 

   MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS
   Decide on what materials, fixtures, lighting, windows etc. that you plan to use before you start your addition. There are some items that may take several months to receive and it is better to have your materials ordered before the dust begins to fly.

8. 

   GET READY, GET SET, GO
   Create your plans to build your addition. Get your team lined up with a time line. Start your project. Be prepared for dust and disruption for a few months. Be aware that your project will take longer than you have planned. A home addition is always worth all of the work that you put into it. Begin to create your dream home now.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a budget for your new addition.

• Check building codes before beginning your project.

Resources

• More Articles by Sharon Meier