You may find that something else takes precedence, such as adding another bathroom or a laundry room. You may also realize that the kitchen isn't as small as you originally thought. Live with your home's current layout until you're certain of your needs and preferences. That way, you can avoid bloated remodels and save money.
2. Consider the Surroundings
Your home value is affected by more than just how your home looks. For instance, if you add a large addition in a neighborhood that features small starter homes, then you may find that the property becomes even harder to sell. The home will no longer match the pool of potential buyers in that area.
Before settling on the size and style of any additions, look at the general layout of houses in your community. Research the market for homes with the added features you're planning to install. Think about the architecture of the home and what the addition can do to blend in with surrounding homes.
3. Research the Practicalities
If you aren't careful, your plans may not coincide with the reality of the house, property limitations and local ordinances. Before getting too attached to any major design plans, seek a second opinion from a qualified local contractor. With experience with the local terrain, climate and housing market, a contractor can help you turn your dreams into a workable plan.
In addition to working with a contractor to assess the property's limitations, be sure to research what permits are necessary and if any zoning requirements will be involved. Depending on where your addition is going, you may also want to get a proper survey of the land's boundaries.
4. Learn the Timeline
Educating yourself about your construction is a good idea whether you're hiring a general contractor to oversee everything or doing some of the supervision yourself. Make sure you understand the order in which things need to be done and how long each step is expected to take. A complete understanding of the project's timeline will help you organize your life and be more patient.
In regions like Indiana, where weather and permitting can be a challenge, it's even more important to start and end the construction at the right time so that the project experiences fewer delays.
5. Make a Budget
Once you know more about the building process, it's time to make a written budget. If you've just bought the home, there may not be much home equity to work with so you'll need to be more conscious of the costs.
Breaking the budget into smaller categories, such as labor, materials, permits, cleanup and decorating, can be a good way to make sure everything is covered. Write down a list of priorities so that you can decide ahead of time where you're willing to compromise and where you aren't.
While planning is not always the fun part of building an addition to your home, it is one of the most important parts. By planning ahead, you can help ensure a smooth renovation process and a happier result. When you're ready to add on to your home, contact us at
Curry Construction.
