Should You Hire an Architect for a Home Addition?
Perhaps you have been dreaming about a renovation to your existing home for quite some time now. This is not only about changing the tiles or adding a tub in your bathroom. It is more about planning for a home remodeling addition project. Planning for one can be an exciting time for your household, much more if it is already taking place and slowly transforming your home into your dream home. Whether you want to add an additional room, expand your kitchen, or build a second floor in your existing home, careful planning is needed. All of these are considered major home renovations that will most likely need the help of professional home remodeling architects. Speaking of architects, a lot of homeowners usually have second thoughts about whether to hire one. For one thing, hiring architects builders can be expensive and a lot of people think hiring one is only for the wealthy. In reality, planning and building a home addition may need professional help. Having said that, hiring a professional architects builder can be well worth the cost. What does an architect really do? Being an architect involves more than drawing house interiors and landscapes. Rather, it requires professional skills in meeting the expectations of their respective clients. Here are some things you can expect that an architect can do for you. Comes up with visual layouts. Among major skills architects should possess are drawing skills. A professional architect should be able to provide a visual representation of what you would like to happen for your home addition project. Provides advice on visual elements An architect can add a creative touch to your expected home addition project. Perhaps a secret room or a walk-in closet can be possible depending on the give floor area size. He or she can also give advice for the right finishes and fixtures that will suit the home addition needs. Hires a contractor An experienced architect most likely has contacts with various contractors who have proven to be reliable in the construction industry. Your architect may be able to recommend the best ones to work with you on the home addition project. Manages the entire building project The architect is mainly responsible for managing the entire home addition design project. He or she will also ensure that the time frame is on the right track. The architect is also responsible for managing the contractors and other people involved in the said project. Why you should hire an architect for your home addition project Given the above list, you already have an idea of what an architect does in a building project. In case you are not convinced yet, here are the reasons why it is a good idea to hire an architect for your upcoming home addition project. Architects are able to see the bigger picture. Architects underwent years of training to acquire the skills needed to plan for a house’s layout and the required fixtures and finishing. He or she is able to see what should be included to maximize the floor area space of a structure. They are responsible for handling needed […]
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Can You Buy a Hoarded House (Without Going Nuts)?
A lot of people tend to get sentimental over material things. For one thing, some of these items may mean a lot for that person. On the other hand, there are some people who simply hoard stuff just because. Nevertheless, excessive hoarding is not considered anymore and can be a sign of a mental disorder. Meanwhile, there are home buyers out there who are willing to buy a hoarded house. No matter how crazy it may be, there is something about hoarded houses that some buyers are not able to resist buying. They may consider building a home addition design out of it. Regardless of the buyer’s plan, building a home addition in a hoarded house is still possible. What is hoarding? Going back to hoarding, this is actually considered a mental disorder that refers to the difficulty in disposing of material possessions. A hoarder finds it hard to let go of material things that most people would deem as useless. Such items may be as trivial like broken appliances or furniture or even smelly garbage. Hoarding is different from clutter. The former may be considered a mental disorder and can cause disturbance to others who are also living inside and near the house. On the other hand, clutter may simply need better organizing methods and most of the items are actually usable. Anything done in excess is not considered healthy, and so is hoarding. As mentioned, it can cause disturbance to other people nearby. In many cases, excessive hoarding can even compromise one’s health and affect one’s daily life. Should you buy a hoarded house? If you have watched the TV show “Hoarders”, then you already have an idea of what a hoarder’s life is. You may not simply imagine how a person can live with such trash and dirt, you cannot see the floor anymore. It can be a nightmare for home remodeling architects to convert a hoarder house into a much more liveable space. Still, there are a lot of people who take on the challenge, of which the first step is buying a hoarder house. In real life, hoarder homes can actually be a potential money-maker because of the hidden “treasures” you can find there. Who knows when you are able to find something that is worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of that pile of garbage in the house? Buying a hoarded house can also be cheaper especially if the hoarder is still living there. Since it may not be as desirable as other homes, you can expect to buy it at a cheaper price. If you want to enhance it, you can hire an affordable home additions company to make it more liveable and pleasant to look at. Other challenges you may encounter If you are planning to buy a hoarder house, you can expect to encounter some challenges along the way. Aside from the abovementioned instances, here are some things you can expect if you decide to buy a hoarded house. You may have a hard time getting a house loan. Real estate experts say that getting a mortgage loan for […]
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When Is the Best Time for a Home Addition?
There is something about having your own house that makes you feel proud and accomplished. It is as if you are doing what the younger millennials call “adulting” the right way. Buying a house is not cheap either – you either have to get a housing loan or pay for it in full cash. Owning a house is one thing, planning for a home remodel is another thing. A home addition design may be necessary depending on your home living needs. You would also have to contact a professional home addition builder to achieve your home improvement objectives. Likewise, it requires careful planning and you need to invest time and money in a home addition project. When to start a home addition project As the popular adage goes, “there is always the best time for everything”. The same applies in a home addition. It can be exciting to plan for a home addition project. But the question is, do you really need one right now? There are some important factors you can consider whether it is the right time to have a home addition. Here are some things you need to think about first before giving a professional home additions builder a call. Season In many countries, summer is the best season to do outdoor remodeling. For one thing, it is better to do any home improvement if the sun is up with no threats of project delays due to rain or any bad weather. Material costs On the downside, prices of raw materials may shoot up in peak seasons especially during summer. Having said that, it may be a good idea to plan your home addition project ahead of time. In other words, you may consider purchasing building materials in advance before summer arrives. Contractor’s availability You should also include your contractor’s availability in your home addition plans. Like building materials, the contractor’s availability may also be compromised if they are busy juggling other building projects. That said, it is important to determine which times of the year are their busiest seasons. Planning for a home addition You may get inspired by home addition ideas you see on the internet or glossy magazines. But there are times that it may not be applicable to your own home for some reason. However, you can consider these questions if you are planning for a home addition. What kind of home addition do you need? There are different kinds of home addition that will suit every homeowner’s needs. It is like creating an entirely new home for your growing family. How much will it cost? For one thing, a home addition can be expensive depending on how big the additional room will be. It will also depend on the materials that will be used and labor costs, among a few. Are there building and zoning restrictions to consider? In most places, you may have to find out any restrictions when it comes to building another structure in your property. This includes restriction in a structure’s height and materials to be used, among a few. Do you even need a home addition? As […]
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What You Need to Know About a Dormer Addition
A home addition requires careful consideration. For one thing, you would have to find a professional home addition builder who will help create your home addition. An addition also comes with a budget, so make sure to find home addition companies who will help fulfill your home addition objectives. The basics of home addition There are many types of home additions, of which the popular ones include the following: Conventional home addition Bump-out/room addition Sunroom Garage conversion Attic or basement conversion In-law additions Two-story extensions Kitchen extensions Family room addition Choosing the right type of home addition depends on your home improvement needs. It also depends on your property size. A home addition is also a good option if the homeowner wants to expand his current home instead of relocating into a new home. If you are planning to have a home addition, it is best to hire a reliable home remodel services near you. Types of dormers Another popular home addition is a dormer. It is usually considered an attic area with a window and installed in an existing sloping roof. Dormers can be built on the upper wall of the house or attached to the roof. Attaching a dormer in your existing house can add ceiling space and create eye-catching appeal to your roof area at the same time. Dormers come in different types and also vary in price. You can consult a home additions builder for the best dormer type that will suit your home best. Among the common dormer types include the following. Gable dormer This one of the most common dormer types installed by many homeowners nowadays. It refers to the small peaked roofing that is as if protruding from the house’s existing roof. According to experts, gable dormers may cost between $3,000 to more than $11,000 depending on the design and size. Shed dormer Meanwhile, a shed dormer looks way different from a gable dormer yet offers the same level of functionality as the latter. Unlike a gable dormer, a shed dormer doesn’t have peaked roofing. Instead, it is installed slightly lower than the existing roof and has flat roofing. Shed dormers may range between $5,000 to more than $11,000 depending on the size and design. Hip dormer Hip dormers may resemble gable dormers. However, the difference is that the former has three panels instead of two that is common in the latter. Somehow, it is a cross between a gable and a shed dormer. Nevertheless, it looks elegant in any existing home. Pedimented dormer This type of dormers is said to be inspired by Roman and Greek architecture. It has triangular shape on the window top with molding on each window side that resembles columns. Arched eyebrow dormer As the name suggests, it looks like eyes on your roof from afar. It is said to have originated by the British centuries ago and incorporated them into their cottage structures. Aside from letting natural light come into the attic area, it does add interest and curiosity among onlookers. Benefits of having a dormer Having a dormer is not simply to add aesthetic value, although […]
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Money-Saving Tips to Afford a Home Addition
Building a home addition may be a necessary thing especially for your growing family. You can hire a professional home addition builder for your home addition needs. There are also various affordable home additions options you can choose from depending on your budget. Whether you opt to build an additional room or convert your attic, home additions require extensive planning and budget to come into fruition. A home addition can add functionality, beauty, and value to your current home. While it can be exciting to plan for your home addition, it literally comes with a price. It depends on what you want to include in the home addition. Nevertheless, you should have a set budget if you are planning for a home addition. Getting started Having a home addition is a good choice for those who want to have an additional living space without moving to another house. As mentioned, it requires creating a timeline, choosing the home remodeling addition option, and hiring a professional home additions builder. A home addition may take a few weeks to several months to complete depending on the size of the construction area. Your daily life may also get affected by the home improvement project, so make sure to plan some adjustments while construction is ongoing. The good news is that there are affordable home additions options available. You can choose one that will suit your budget and your home addition requirements. Also, you must ask yourself these crucial questions before taking on a home addition project: How much budget should I allot on the home addition project? How big should the home addition room be? Can the current property space accommodate a home addition? What should I include in the home addition room (e.g. furniture, décor, cabinets, etc.)? Should you hire a contractor for a home addition project? As mentioned, a home addition project needs some extensive planning. To accomplish that, you would need to hire a professional contractor. Make sure that the contractor has years of experience in the home improvement industry. You should also check out reviews about the contractor so you can decide whether to hire him or not. Hiring a contractor for a home addition project can be expensive. You might also think you won’t need one if you want to DIY the home improvement project. However, it can be a wise decision to hire one anyway. For one thing, you can rely on the contractor’s professional skills so that the project will be completed. Where can you find a reliable and professional contractor? Here are some options you can consider: Find contractors online (make sure to check client feedback) Department of Consumer Protection Better Business Bureau Referrals from friends and family The Department of Consumer Protection and Better Business Bureau (BBB) most likely have a list of contractors per state or city. These resources also have records of each contractor and any complaints it has encountered and whether these are already resolved. Nevertheless, these sources of information can help a lot in choosing the right home additions builder for you. How to save money on a home additions […]
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Leveling Up: What to Consider Before Building a Second-Storey Addition
As your family grows, the bigger the home space you may need. It can be two things: either move into a larger house or contact home remodeling architects for a home addition project. If you are considering the latter, you would also have to consider whether to have a horizontal or vertical home addition design. Each option has its own pros and cons, and will also depend on your property size and your family’s lifestyle. If you choose to build-out A lot of homeowners consider whether to build up or build-out. The former pertains to building a second-story to their existing house. The latter, on the other hand, refers to building a home addition within your property. It can be an additional room in your backyard, extending your kitchen area, or converting your garage into a family room. In building out, home addition companies will use a backhoe to dig up the area where the addition will take place. A foundation will be set, add roofing, and then proceed in linking the existing property with the upcoming one. In some cases, the home addition can be a separate area within the property and won’t necessarily have to be connected to the existing home structure. On one hand, there can be at least a minimal disruption to your home living and to your current living space. As mentioned, you can either expand and link a new living space into the current residential structure, or build a separate living area within your property. On the contrary, you may also need to comply with local zoning standards. At the same time, you should have enough yard space to accommodate a bump-out or a separate home addition design. If you choose to build-up Meanwhile, building up means adding an additional floor above your existing home. You can add second-story living space above your current garage, living room, or porch areas. You can also opt to build additional rooms in the second-story area, or a small attic area to add height to your house. Again, it will depend on your lifestyle and your current family and living space needs. In building up, home remodeling architects won’t have to take away your existing yard space. However, home contractors would have to enhance your house’s current foundation to make sure it can support the additional weight due to the construction of the second-story area. On one hand, you won’t have to worry about complying with local zoning standards and considering limitations on the floor-area-ratio. However, you should also consider height limitations in your area. You should also add space for a staircase leading up to the second floor. Also, the building contractor may have to tear down part of your walls or ceiling for electrical, heating, and plumbing requirements. Second-story construction options As mentioned, there are different options you can choose from in building a second-story above your existing house. Before choosing your preferred option, make sure that the addition project complies with the local building regulations. It is also important to hire professional home remodeling addition contractors to complete the said addition project. Replace the roofing […]
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What You Need to Know Before Considering a Home Addition
Owning a property is a huge responsibility. For one, you have to ensure that your property is in overall good condition. This includes fixing issues such as broken tiles, chipped wall paint, or a leaky faucet. Likewise, you should also ensure that your yard is well-maintained. But while your family grows, so is your need for a bigger living space. On one hand, you may consider buying or rent a larger house. Or you can hire a home addition builder to help you build an extension of your home. You can choose from a wide variety of home addition design that will suit your needs for additional living space. Why home additions are made Affordable home additions are available to cater to homeowners’ needs for extra living space without leaving their property. It is an option to extend your house without the need to relocate and move into a new home. House additions can range from affordable and low-cost additions to more expensive ones. Whichever your addition option is, what is important is that it should meet or even exceed your expectations for comfortable living space within your home. Popular home addition options Among popular home additions you can choose from includes the following. Traditional home addition This refers to a structure that can house multiple rooms and is usually built beside the main house. When built by a professional home additions builder, it can look like it is part of the main house itself. A traditional home addition can house multiple rooms such as a small bedroom, a bathroom, or a kitchen area. While building one can be expensive, it can increase its total property value when you plan to sell it one day. Since you’re technically building a small house, you will also need to hire architect builders and get necessary permits for the construction project. Sunroom Unlike traditional home additions, sunrooms are usually made from materials that are pre-fabricated and then assembled in your property. It is not usually meant to serve as a permanent living space but rather a relaxation area or an extension of the living room. Building a sunroom may not be as complicated, unlike traditional home extensions. Garage makeover Garage conversions can usually turn into an additional bedroom, living room or kitchen depending on your addition needs. Since the roof and the structure is already there, you would usually have to work on other elements such as flooring, walls, plumbing and other building requirements. Room addition Also known as a bump out, it is a type of home addition built on the side of an existing house. It is usually meant to be a single room, such as a bathroom, kitchen, or a small bedroom. The main objective is to alleviate the cramped space of an existing house by adding a bump out and accommodate a small room there. Things to consider before building a home addition As mentioned, home addition is a good option to add living space in your home. If you don’t want to sell your house and move into a bigger house, then it is a good idea to […]
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What to Consider Before Remodeling Your Basement
Buying a house should be considered carefully. For one thing, it depends on your long-term goals. If you are planning to live in your area for many years, then it may be a good idea to buy or build a house instead of renting out. Sometimes, you may want to renovate a part of the house after years of living in it. For example, you would want to consider adding a home addition design to accommodate your growing family. You should contact a professional home addition builder for your home improvement requirements. If you want to have a home addition, make sure that there is enough space to build one within your property. But sometimes, there are some untouched parts of your house that are just waiting to be renovated – say, your basement. Getting started A lot of homes have basements but are not often utilized. Basements are also negatively perceived in movies as dark and scary places and one of the usual settings for horror movies. That is why a lot of homeowners tend to stay away from the basement and opt to use it as storage areas instead. On the contrary, basements can actually one of the best rooms in a house. Moreover, having a basement at home can be a deal-breaker especially for those who are considering home improvement projects in the future. When that time comes, make sure to deal only with experienced and reputable home addition companies near you. Before renovating a basement, make sure to inspect every corner of it. For one, it is important that the basement has a stable foundation, flooring, and walls. More than planning a basement design and hiring the best home remodeling architects, safety and staying on budget are just as important as well. Things to consider before remodeling On one hand, you can find space outside the house and build an additional living space there. On the other hand, you can find an additional living space inside your house. Do you have a basement? If so, why not convert it into an additional cozy living space? But before proceeding with the basement remodeling project, it is important to call a home remodeling addition contractor first. They can help determine the basement’s overall condition before the renovation project proceeds. Among things to consider first include the following. Signs of moisture Make sure that the basement has no significant amount of moisture in it. For the presence of moisture, you can use water-lock paint and special caulk to seal any cracks that are present. A building home addition company can help solve this problem. Height Some basements often have low ceiling especially if it is not originally intended as a living space. Some may have visible wiring and piping that can be a challenge for basement remodeling. In such cases, adding footings below the current ones may be necessary. Relocating the wiring and piping systems may also be needed as well. Walls and flooring If the basement is bare, meaning it has no walls and flooring, it is important to install these for a basement renovation project. Walls control […]
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What You Need to Know Before Renovating Your Attic
There may come a time that you will need additional living space for your growing family. Your child may already be growing up and want to have their own bedroom. Or perhaps you want to have a small office area where you can work at peace. You might consider a home addition design to accommodate an extra living space in your home. Some may opt to call home addition companies to build a separate building that will serve as a small bedroom, playroom, or office area. But you may not realize that the space you are looking for may be literally right above you all this time – the attic. Your attic may have been a dusty storage area ever since, but it can be the additional space you are looking for. Getting started Instead of hiring home additions builder companies and spending additional money to build a new living space outside your house, you can consider remodeling your attic instead. Not only it can save space within your property, but you can also customize your attic according to your needs. Taking on an attic renovation project can be fun. You can even involve your whole family for this home improvement project. Better yet, you can hire home remodeling architects and make the most out of your attic space. Before you know it, you already have a fresh-looking attic area that you, your family, and even your guests will love. What to consider before renovating your attic Before proceeding to your attic renovation project, there are many things you have to consider first. Whether you will use the attic as an office, playroom, or bedroom area, there may be some certain restrictions you need to know. Among these include the following. Check the local building code. Before doing any renovation in your property, it is important that it complies with your local building code. Also, check whether you will need a permit to renovate your attic. Usually, permits may be necessary if you will add ventilation or wiring in your attic area, or if the entire attic area will be changed. Among common building code qualifications in most states may include: There should be at least 7 feet height between the floor and the attic ceiling. If your attic has less than 7 feet in height, you can hire a home addition builder to adjust the ceiling height. The attic room should have at least 70 square feet of available space. The attic should also be at least 7 feet wide and can be accessed via permanent stairs. If the attic is accessible via a ladder or pull-down stairs, you may have to build a full staircase. It should also have a window that can be opened for exit in case of emergencies. Check for ventilation and heating requirements. Your attic may not have ample ventilation and heating, for now, so you should add one during the renovation project. Architects builders can help you and check whether the attic can accommodate a cooling and heating system. This is also to ensure that the attic will be conducive enough to be […]
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Common Home Renovating Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Home renovation can be an expensive affair depending on how complicated the project will be. Finding home remodeling architects can also take time especially if you don’t have connections to rely on. More so, a home renovation project can also take some to finish and would need some personal adjustments along the way. But despite all of the hassles and hard work, seeing the end results will all be worth it. Unless you are knowledgeable and experienced in this field, you can hire home additions builders with your home renovation project. For one thing, a home remodel should be handled only by professionals especially if it’s a major home improvement project. However, the entire project won’t start without you. You, the homeowner, and the contractors should collaborate to ensure that everything goes well as smoothly as possible. Home renovation mistakes are also common, but you can choose not to commit them. Common home renovation mistakes Here are some of the most common home renovation mistakes you should avoid: Focusing only on the aesthetic value One major reason for a home improvement project is to give your home or a part of your home a fresher look. This is regardless whether you are planning to change the floor tiles, add a kitchen countertop, or update your living room furniture. However, this should not only be your goal. Instead, you should also check whether there is a need for repair works. Otherwise, you may end up tearing up your newly-renovated area because you did not repair or replace a leaky pipe underneath. It is also a good idea to plan a home improvement project to upgrade into high-quality materials instead of simply adding to a room’s aesthetic appeal. Choosing a cheap contractor Looking for an affordable home additions contractors can help you save money. However, you should be careful in choosing a home addition builder. For one thing, a cheaper contractor does not always mean high-quality workmanship. Some contractors may offer cheaper quotes – at the expense of the materials used and the overall work quality. A reliable and trustworthy contractor should provide a detailed quote containing the materials that will be used. Likewise, it should indicate the estimated lead time, installation costs, waste management plan, and other important aspects of the home improvement project. Underestimating your budget Setting a budget is important when planning for a major home renovation project. In budgeting, you should also consider setting aside for contingencies. Home addition companies and other home improvement experts recommend adding at least 15 percent of your budget for emergency expenses. Doing too much at once Some homeowners want to accomplish tasks all at once. Apparently, they want to utilize the time and resources they have at that time. However, it can cause stress to the homeowner. That is why it is important to focus only on one project at a time, and then move on to the other one when the first one is already done. Should you go DIY or hire a professional? On one hand, you can choose to DIY your home improvement project, albeit with certain conditions. You […]
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