Things to Consider When Pondering a Home Addition
When taking the rush to do a kitchen remodel that includes a room addition be sure to take some time to understand how the remodeling process and addition work. Before you even shop for cabinets or flooring do your homework. This will help immensely to ensure the project runs smoothly. When planning a room addition, spending time looking at all your options and deciding what choices to make is critical.
For instance: where are you planning to set the room addition? How large should the addition be? Deciding how large is an important issue in keeping within the guidelines of your budget and any zoning restrictions or codes. How do you want the lay out to be? Do you want to lose you 100 year old oak tree or tear up your deck These are all things to consider before you start you addition. Choosing the right contractor is the number one thing and his expertise should be in the area of the design you want to incorporate into your existing home. Contractors do not all have experience with building foundations, blending your 1800's home with new construction and other issues that are sure to come up. In room additions it is well worth your money to get an architect involved. The architect is responsible for preparing floor plan layouts, understanding zoning issues, kitchen design goals and other issues. Often, but not always, contractors have their own architect on staff but it might be wise to just go ahead and hire your own.
Be sure to look for contractors that are familiar with your house's style and age. This is particularly important if you are dealing with an old or historical home. Make sure he has worked on projects in your area and is familiar with local zoning codes, is licensed and insured. Be sure to get the all important referrals and follow up with checking them out.
Keep focus on your fundamental desire and do not be sidetracked by other peoples' suggestions for your home. Remember the original reason you are doing the addition, how you will use the space and what the top five priorities are. Always get estimates and list of cost on everything you are planning on doing so there will not be any surprises. Your beautiful vision will become a nightmare if you run out of cash mid stream. keep everything on track with good timing which is one of the responsibility's of your contractor. Never rush anything in your excitement to get things rolling.
Listen to your gut feeling and if you do not feel right about something stop and give yourself some time to think about it. You will be glad in the long run with no "I wished I had listened to my gut!" Knowing why you are remodeling makes all the difference in how you spend your money. If you are just flipping a house you might not have as detailed ceiling fans, light switches, etc. or top quality appliances. If this is to be your life time home be sure to buy good quality that you really want and will be proud of.
This is a big step and should be fun and full of enthusiasm and not something to be dreaded. Just take one step at a time and fulfill your vision your way with the images of many happy years in your home.
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