How to Prepare for an Addition
Adding an addition to your house is an exciting move since it allows you to increase your living space while also improving the utility of your property. While this is the case, in order to ensure success, such a project must be carefully planned and prepared for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll lead you through the processes necessary to prepare your house for an addition, from the initial inspection to the last touches of construction. Assess the existing structure. Before you even begin the planning process, you should evaluate your home’s current structure, foundation, and utilities. This assessment will establish whether your house can withstand the additional load and whether any changes are required to integrate the new space seamlessly. During this stage, consulting with home addition contractors isn’t enough. You also need to hire a structural engineer or architect who will provide significant insights and ideas on how to prepare your home for addition. Come up with a design. You should work with an architect or designer to develop a comprehensive plan for your addition. Consider the purpose of the new area, architectural style, size, layout, and how it will integrate with the existing structure. A well-thought-out design will fulfill your objectives while also adhering to local building laws and regulations. Get the necessary permits. Navigating the regulatory landscape is an essential step in preparing your home for an expansion. You should research the local building standards and regulations to identify whether permits are required for your project. Obtaining the proper licenses from your municipality before beginning construction will help to avoid delays and guarantee that all legal criteria are met. Come up with a budget. Setting a fair budget for your additional project is critical to its success. Consider all costs, including materials, labor, permits, and contingencies for unforeseen expenses. You should prioritize your needs and allocate funds accordingly to accomplish the desired result within your budget. Secure your funding Few homeowners can afford a complete room extension in cash. Therefore, a loan or line of credit is required. This often entails acquiring a home equity loan, second mortgage, or line of credit based on the amount of equity in the home—the current real estate value minus any outstanding mortgage or loan sum. Banks and other lenders are frequently hesitant to give money to homeowners who still owe 80-85% or more of their home’s assessed value, however this is not a hard and fast rule. When a homeowner qualifies for a second mortgage or home equity loan, banks typically extend no more than 85 percent of the equity in the home. If you do not qualify for a bank loan, there are other options for obtaining loan financing, such as borrowing against the value of a retirement fund or life insurance policy. However, such borrowing should be done with caution and in cooperation with a financial expert. When you are securing your funding, ensure that you make the right decisions that won’t see you in financial ruin. Find a reputable contractor. Most people prefer to employ a general contractor (GC) to handle the work of room expansion. The […]
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How to Sequence a Home Renovation
You might be unsure of where to begin if you’re planning a large-scale home renovation that will take place across several rooms and projects. You might wonder whether it is better to start in public spaces like the living room or kitchen to clear the path. Or you should focus on out-of-sight places so the communal spaces remain useable for longer. If you are in this dilemma, here is a guide given by home addition contractors on how to sequence your home renovation. Before starting the project, you must decide who will handle it. Will you conduct the remodeling yourself, or do you want to hire an expert to do it for you? You should make a detailed plan that includes a timeline, budget, and a list of all the rooms you intend to renovate before starting any renovation. If you are having an issue with any part of the project, consult a professional to help you out: Start with the highest-priority rooms You should start with the renovations in your first-priority room and move on to the cosmetic adjustments once the repairs are finished. To most people, this is the kitchen. This way, if you run out of money or energy, at least you got the most important area done. This makes deciding where to start very personal, but ultimately, this will be the most fulfilling approach for you. Renovations to the kitchen might be more involved and take longer than those to other rooms in the house. If you’re living in your home while renovating, starting with the kitchen can help you rapidly return to a sense of normalcy in the space. Move to the next most intense room. If you begin with the kitchen, this is probably where the bathroom will go. The hardest renovation jobs in your house will be in the kitchen and bathroom since these spaces require extensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work that frequently needs to be done concurrently. After the kitchen, consider renovating your bathrooms. Renovate your bathrooms one at a time. This ensures that you can always have a shower and toilet if your house. You should prioritize your kitchen and bathroom while remodeling your house because these areas are known to be costly to update. They also need a lot of work, and it’s always wise to finish the more difficult tasks first. The kitchen and bathrooms are high-value rooms, so if you finish these, you will probably have added value to your house. Proceed to the living room. Once you are done with the bathroom and kitchen, proceed to the living room. You should renovate your primary living or family room to create a comfortable space for relaxation and entertainment. This room can serve as a temporary gathering place while other renovations are ongoing. Turn your attention to the bedroom. You can turn your attention to the bedroom once you have updated your living areas, kitchen, and bathrooms. This is because the bedroom allows you to keep normalcy throughout the process, which is essential to reducing stress during a renovation. As you can tell, having your bedroom available will […]
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Tips to Consider When Renovating Your Home
Is this the first time you are doing a home renovation? Here are tips that you should follow to have an easy time. Start with the kitchen. Homeowners renovating their homes for the first time frequently inquire about the best order in which to renovate their homes. The best way to go about it is to start with the kitchen because a well-done kitchen adds value to your home. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s 2022 remodeling impact report, Realtors believe that homeowners can recoup 75% of the cost of a complete kitchen makeover if they sell their home, Furthermore, if you have an outdated kitchen, renovating the worn-out room will allow you to appreciate the place more. Renovations also tend to make the space more comfortable. Besides improving the kitchen’s aesthetics, you should also consider its size. If it’s too small, talk to your home addition contractors and devise ways of increasing the size. You should start with the kitchen makeover because it generates the most dust and debris, and you don’t want to land on fresh paint or finish projects. Isolating any demolition mess with plastic over entrances or pass-throughs is always a good idea. Because a major kitchen renovation can take several months to complete, consider setting up a temporary substitute kitchen to use in the meantime. You can set it up in your home’s dining room, family room, or adjacent area. This way, you continue with your cooking and, at the same time go on with the remodeling. Interview several contractors You should interview and compare bids from multiple contractors. This is because you find the most qualified and work with them. Assume you want your water heater removed from upstairs and replaced with a new one in the garage. The first plumber you call may quote you thousands of dollars to reroute hot water lines through your living room tray ceiling. It’s also possible that the second plumber will find it too much labor for his timetable, and they won’t turn up. Plumber three may intend to complete the task in a single day and charge a lower fee with no water line rerouting required. When you interview several contractors before deciding, you get to interact with them and make the right decision. The best way is to ask for referrals from friends and relatives. You should then contact these contractors and, after interviewing them, decide on the ones that are a right fit for your project. Have a realistic time flame. Your renovation will take longer than planned, so plan and make allowances to avoid irritation. You might have the impression that replacing a tub will be simple, but this isn’t always the case. While removing the old tub may take a few hours, finding a new tub and vanity you adore may take many weeks. It could be another two weeks before they arrive. As a result, expecting to use your new hall bath within a week can evolve into a six-week delay. You should be realistic about the renovation process and schedule, and choose your new fixtures before removing the old […]
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What is a Bump-out Home Addition?
Do you wish your kitchen was a little bigger to fit a breakfast table? Perhaps you want a soaking tub in your master bath, but none of the types you’ve seen will fit. You should go for a bump-out addition. A bump-out addition allows you to add a few feet to your home without the hassles and costs of a full-fledged room expansion. If you believe a bump-out, also known as a micro-addition, might meet your design needs, this post will address your queries. A bump-out addition is cantilevered off the existing foundation, similar to a balcony, eliminating the need for foundation construction. A micro-addition does not have to be connected to the existing roofline. Due to this, you save time and money while providing additional room. The primary distinction between a bump-out and a room extension is size. Bump-outs are minor. They are often only a few feet long, which saves money on materials. While they are good, home addition contractors observe that bump-out expansions are limited due to the need for a separate foundation. This means that if you are looking for a large room, they might not be the right one for you. Reasons to consider a bump out in your home Aside from financial savings, there are other reasons why you can consider a bump-out over a full-fledged room expansion. The most obvious argument is that they require a few more feet of space within the house. This means that you don’t need additional land or make a new foundation. Another reason to consider this type of addition is if you are looking to protect your trees. When you install this addition, you safeguard mature trees and their roots. You can add space to your home without disturbing the soil by cantilevering the addition off the existing foundation. And tree roots aren’t the only item that can be found underground. The foundation work required for a full-size home addition may entail relocating below-grade plumbing or utility lines. The labor associated with relocating those lines adds to the overall expense of the remodel. When you go with a bump-out addition, you avoid all of this. Before building the addition, check with local officials for permit requirements and zoning setbacks. This way you have peace of mind you are on the right path. How big can the bump-out addition be? The weight of a cantilevered bump-out is supported by the existing floor joists in the house. The bigger the joists, the bigger the bump-out that you can add. Most people add bump-out expansions to the first level of their home, but you can also add one to the second story. You can also install a bump-out if your house is constructed on a concrete slab. According to experts, a slab can sustain a 3-5-foot cantilever. Bump-out additions you can consider There are plenty of additions you can add to your home. The best ones are: Sunroom Do you like sitting outside but hate the bugs and the heat? Because it is attached to the house, you can consider a sunroom as a bump-out and an all-season room. The beauty is […]
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Guide to Having a Smooth Process Adding a Home Addition
You can improve your living space without moving by adding to your house. If you add an extra room or a second floor to your current layout, everyone will have their own space. If you are a homeowner and want to raise the value of your home, adding a few square feet can be a great way to do so. Adding a bathroom, master bedroom and bathroom, sunroom, or second story can significantly raise the value of your home when it comes time to sell it. When you are planning, budgeting, and designing a home addition, there are several things you need to pay attention to for you to have a great addition. These things, as given by home addition companies, include: Define the reason for the addition Ask yourself why you want to add on to your house. You should tell the contractors on the job what your goals are, like giving your kids more space or giving your guests their bathroom. They usually know the easiest way to schedule these repairs so that the renovation project meets your goals and causes you the least trouble. Understand the permits and restrictions involved. When you add on to your house, you need permits and inspections from the city or county. These restrictions are meant to keep things from going wrong in the future and make sure that the building meets all the rules. Also, getting the right permits and inspections is important to ensure the work is done right, which is important when selling a home. If you know about the necessary permits, the structure might be safer than it is. Check out your city or county’s building and zoning websites to learn about your area’s restrictions. Most permits are for electrical, plumbing, and gas, but depending on where you live, there could be many more checks, like a limit on how many stories you can access well or sewer water sources. Some rules say how close your building can be to your neighbors, the curb, or the lots on either side. You should note that you might have to do a property survey to ensure that your planned addition doesn’t break any rules about property lines. In many jurisdictions, the homeowner, not the contractor, is the one who needs to ask for and get these permits, so make sure you know who is in charge of each step. Have the proper budget. Remodeling can be expensive. Consider the current value of the whole house to get an idea of how much your remodeling project will cost. A significant addition will probably cost at least 10–15 percent of your home’s value. After talking to contractors about how much the work will cost, figure out how you will pay for it. Paying with your savings, a loan, or a home equity line of credit? The budget has to fit into the amount of money that is available. You can be creative with how you pay, and many contractors would rather have a payment plan than one big lump sum. To save money, you could do some demolition work yourself, use old […]
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What Additions Add Value To A Home?
Two reasons homeowners hire home addition companies to remodel their homes are adding space and increasing house value. While this is the case, did you know that not all home additions increase the house value, so you spend a fortune, yet you don’t get a return on investment? Are you wondering what additions add value to a home? Here they are: Second story A storied building is much valuable than a bungalow. If your house has a strong foundation and can take another floor, go ahead and install it. As you are installing the second floor, remember that it should tie into the original style and theme of the house. Master suite The person that will buy the house will be sleeping in the master suite, right? So it goes that when you improve the master suite, you are bound to make your house more appealing and increase its value. One of the ways to make the master suite more attractive is to increase its size. You also should consider installing a bathtub and, if possible, increase the shower space. The beauty with this is that you don’t have to go out of your way to install high-end units—simple units are enough. If you aren’t sure about the right pieces to change, get the input of an experienced professional. Kitchen Every family spends a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, and no one wants to do it in a small, beat-up space—everyone wants an area they can be proud of. This means that working on your kitchen will go a long way towards giving your house more value; hence it gets out of the market fast. One thing you should do is to increase the size of the kitchen. This might require you to knock down some walls or build a kitchen addition. You should then add more modern appliances such as new kettles, new pans, new stove and so on. Kitchen additions and renovations can get expensive to the extent you fail to recoup your investment. To be on the safe side, keep an eye on the type and quality of remodeling materials you use. As a rule of thumb, avoid golden or any other materials, as you won’t make your money back. Unless necessary, avoid making major kitchen renovations such as installing new cabinets, windows, doors, floor, or cooking space. Excellent projects you can participate in include: refinishing the cabinets, adding an island, increasing storage space, installing a new backsplash, and upgrading the faucets. Bathroom Like the kitchen, no homeowner wants a beat-up bathroom, so you can’t go wrong with a bathroom addition project. Like the kitchen, you should increase the size of your bathroom then install the necessary fixtures. After adding more space, another thing you can do to your bathroom to increase its value include: adding storage space, installing new sinks, upgrading the lighting, putting in vanity or mirror, and so on. Unused space Do you have an unused space in the house, such as the basement or attic? You can make use of it, which will increase the room space and increase the value […]
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4 Home Additions That Are Worth It
Building home addition is one way of making your home more attractive to potential buyers but like every homeowner, you want to get the highest return on your investment so you should build the right addition. If you are in this position, lucky for you as there are plenty of home additions that you can go with. Some of the best ones include: Two-story addition Have you heard the expression, “Go big or go home?” it works in home additions and if you have the money, you should build a two-story house as it will pay off in the end. According to real estate experts, building a home addition will see you increasing your return on investments by up to 65%. When you are building the home addition, ensure that you have an upstairs master suite and a downstairs living area which is what most homeowners are drawn to. You might be wondering why the two-story addition will make your house more attractive to potential buyers, right? Well, the addition increases the square footage of your house and since every homeowner is looking for a bigger house, they are bound to find your house more appealing. Kitchen expansion Another home addition project that will see you laughing all the way to the bank is a kitchen expansion project. If your current kitchen is too small or cramped, you aren’t going to sell the house at the top dollar that you are looking for. Also, refinishing the cabinets or replacing the old appliances isn’t going to cut it—you have to expand it. As you are planning the kitchen expansion project, you should note that sometimes you can go overboard hence making your house less attractive to potential buyers. For example, even if every homeowner wants a beautiful, decent-looking kitchen, none is interested in paying for the premium kitchen countertops so don’t use them on your counters. Also, no homeowner is looking to pay a premium fee for one-of-a-kind premium kitchen appliances. The most important thing when it comes to remodeling the kitchen is to expand its size. When it comes to the countertops and appliances, simply use the standard materials as using expensive unique products won’t give you the returns you are looking for. Bathroom addition Your home having not enough bathrooms can be a big turn-off to potential buyers so if you have the resources, consider adding an extra bathroom to the house. If the resources aren’t enough for a complete bathroom, add a half bath and it will still increase your home’s overall sale appeal. Real estate professionals report that adding a bathroom to your home can see you get up to a 53% return on investment. Like with the kitchen, don’t go all the way out when remodeling the bathroom as you might add some features that will make your unit less attractive to potential buyers. You might also spend too much money on a unit and fail to recoup your investment. To be on the safe side, work with experts that will help you find a balance. Adding an outdoor patio space Every homeowner wants a place […]
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How Do You Finance A Home Addition?
As much as many people want to have a home addition project, there are is always the money issue as many don’t know how to finance the project. Are you wondering how do you finance a home addition? There are plenty of options you can go with. They include: Cash-out refinance The cash-out refinance option is a highly popular financing option when you are building home addition. How it works is that you refinance a new mortgage loan with a bigger balance than the one you currently owe, then you pay off your existing mortgage and keep the remaining cash. The money you receive from the cash-out refinance comes from the home equity, and you can use it to fund your home improvement projects. This option works perfectly when you can reset your loan at a lower interest rate than your current mortgage meaning that you can easily adjust the loan term and you even complete paying your home sooner than projected. To tell whether this financing option is for you, compare the costs over the life of the loan, including the closing costs. This calls for you to look at the total costs of the new loan and compare them to the current loan costs. As you are making the comparisons, keep in mind that the cash-out refinances tend to have higher closing costs that apply to the entire loan amount—not just the cash out. Due to this, you need to take your time and find an interest rate significantly lower than the current one. Pros of this option You will continue paying one mortgage payment You can spend the cash you get on anything The cash out comes from the home equity You can lower your long term and your interest rate at any time Cons of this option The new loan tends to have a larger balance than your current mortgage When you refinance, you start the loan over The closing costs apply to a large loan amount Home equity loan Also known as a second mortgage, the home equity loan allows you to borrow against the equity you have built up in your home. When you visit the lender, he calculates the equity by assessing the value of your home and subtracting the outstanding balance due to the existing loan. You should note that unlike the cash-out refinance, the home equity doesn’t pay off your existing mortgage, so if you already have a mortgage, you will continue making the monthly payments and at the same time make the payments of the new home equity loan. This loan makes sense if you have plenty of home equity built up or need funds for a big, one-time project. After approval, the loan is dispersed as a single payment, and your home is used as collateral, and due to this, you attract lower interest rates. Home equity loan pros It’s long term where it can last for up to 30 years It has fixed interest rates You can borrow up to 100% of your equity Perfect for large projects such as remodels Home equity loan cons If you already […]
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What to Consider in Choosing a Roofing Material
Roofs are meant to last for many years. That is why you should choose the right residential or commercial roofing system that is worth the money. There are also several things to consider in choosing a roofing material such as style, durability, and functionality. These are crucial especially if you are planning on building a home addition. Factors in choosing a roofing system Choosing a roof system is no easy task. As mentioned, there are several things you need to consider before buying a roof for your home. This is so important when you are planning a home remodeling addition project. That being said, here are some important things to remember when looking for a roofing system. Your home/building’s style The roof style you choose depends on your house or building’s architectural style. For example, tile roofing can suit more for historic-style structures. On the other hand, asphalt shingles may look good in various styles of houses. Meanwhile, metal and built-up roods may suit better for commercial buildings. Application This is important regardless of whether it is intended for replacement or as part of a home addition design. On the one hand, installing a new roof is easier as you won’t be restricted from existing roof materials, underlying composition, and so on. However, a home addition builder may recommend a roofing material so it blends better with the current roofing system. Long-term plan Are you planning to stay for the next 20 years? Or you are planning to move to another state soon? In the case of the latter, it might be better to install a roofing material that is less expensive and has a shorter lifespan. Otherwise, you should choose a roof that should last you a long time. Building codes and other regulations Different states may have different building codes and regulations that need to be followed. For example, some areas are prone to tornadoes or fires that do not allow installing roof shingles. Some communities may also require building restrictions including roofing materials. Types of roofing systems By now, you already have an idea of things to consider when looking for roofing material. The next question is knowing the different types of roofing materials. Here are some of the most popular ones used in many residential and commercial buildings. Asphalt shingles This one is popular in the US as it can endure all sorts of outdoor elements. They are generally affordable and can last for about 20 or so years. Use impact-resistant asphalt shingles if you are located in a hail-prone place. Metal Meanwhile, metal roofs can last for more than 50 years and are great for resisting rain, snow, and extreme winds. Metal roofs are also lightweight and can work with other existing roof materials. However, metal roofs can be noisy during strong rains and hail. This material can also be prone to rust and corrosion. Slate This one is said to last more than a hundred years and is resistant against harsh outdoor elements. It is recommended to be used in wet climates. On the contrary, it is heavy, expensive, and can be prone to […]
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Starting a DIY Furniture Making Project: What You Need to Know
It can be boring at home due to the ongoing lockdown, quarantine, or whatever it is called in your place. But instead of bumming all day, you can use this time to be productive at home. Some may already be productive since they are working remotely. Otherwise, you can improve your home little by little during this time. Hiring a home additions builder may not be the best decision for now. However, you can plan for a home remodeling addition or condo remodeling (if you live in a condo unit). A home addition can be a simple tile replacement or a major one like building a living extension in your home. DIY furniture, anyone? It’s nice to imagine living in your dream home. With your own backyard pool, a landscaped garden, and majestic walk-in closet. You’ll feel like a celebrity having these amenities. There are home addition companies that can help transform your house into your dream home. Then again, it may not be the right time to hire home remodeling architects while there’s a lockdown/quarantine ongoing. For now, you can focus on other things that you can improve at home. Say, change your current bed and pillow sheets or add a carpet to your bedroom. Or why not make your own furniture? Making your own furniture may seem intimidating. However, you don’t have to be a professional carpenter or craftsman to make your own furniture. More so, it’s not complicated to maintain your home and keep it in style. DIY furniture ideas Want to make your own furniture? It can actually be not that as hard as you think. You can use your old furniture and recreate it into a creative and useful one. You can use an old bench and turn it into an extra space to place your home décor. You can just repaint it if there is no damage to the bench. It won’t spend a lot of your time refurbishing the old bench, table, or chair. Not only is it a resourceful way to reuse old furniture but can look good in your home, too. Why not add an indoor swing? You and your kids will surely love this DIY swing right in the comfort of your own home. You can make a hanging chair made from canvas, leather, or any other durable fabric available. With some knots, drills, and couple of stitches, you can create your DIY indoor swing. Make sure there are no vases and other fragile items nearby or else it might be knocked down accidentally. If you have an old drawer, you can revamp it into a kitchen island. You can repaint, repair, and modify some parts if you want. For example, you can add a slab of wood on top so it can be a countertop as well. Plus, this DIY kitchen island can be your extra storage space and a kitchen attraction, too. Old road signs can be converted into stylish stool seatings at home. Secure the metal signs on wooden stools, bend it if necessary, and you will now have eye-catching trendy seats at home. Tips in crafting […]
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