Adding anything new to your home is an exciting and rewarding project for any homeowner. Such a project can significantly boost your living space and property value. However, the procedure is not as easy as it seems, as it demands planning in the form of setting a realistic budget, hiring qualified professionals, and a well-thought-out plan.
If you are considering remodeling your house and want the best results, this guide will provide you with the necessary steps. We will discuss the timelines, tips for choosing the correct contractor, and cost factors.
The Home Addition Timeline
A home addition has a typical timeline that you need to understand. It happens in phases, so you need to set expectations accordingly and let the contractors do their work for the project to get completed on time. While every home addition is unique, most have a similar pattern:
Phase 1: Initial Plans and Design
The first phase involves planning and design, which takes approximately 1-2 months. Before the main construction commences, you will need to explain the purpose of your addition. What kind of space are you planning to add? Your bedroom? Kitchen? Or build a separate home office next to your bedroom? Once you are clear, you will then partner with an architect or a design-build firm to create and receive detailed blueprints. At the same time, set a realistic budget in your mind and go through the local zoning laws and building codes. Having these details in hand right from the start assists in laying a solid base for the entire assignment.
Phase 2: Permits and Approvals
Once you finalize the design, you or your chosen contractor must obtain the necessary permits from your local government before beginning construction. This can take around 1-2 months, or even more, depending on your location and how complicated your project is. Don’t ignore the permit part, as they are the proof that your addition complies with local building and safety regulations. If you hand over the task to a good contractor, they are typically well-versed in the permitting process, making it super easy and fast.
Phase 3: Hiring a Contractor and Pre-Construction
After getting permission from the local government, you can proceed with hiring a contractor and signing the agreement to prepare the construction site. This phase takes a month as it involves cleaning the area and bringing the equipment to the specific part of your house. You also need to make the necessary arrangements for temporary accommodations if the construction significantly disrupts your living space.
Phase 4: The Construction Phase (3-6+ Months)
The construction phase is the most time-consuming part of the project, as the completion time can take more than 6 months. The timeframe depends on the size and complexity level of your remodeling, including:
Demolition and Foundation
The old site will be demolished to prepare for the new foundation.
Framing and Exterior Work
The contractors will construct the frame of the expansion or addition. It can be walls, windows, and roofing.
Installing
Then plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems will be installed.
Insulation and Drywall
Interior walls are built, guaranteeing energy efficiency to prevent future hindrance in the functioning of the addition.
During the construction, regular inspections will be conducted to ensure everything is meeting the code requirements, or else the project could be halted if requirements are not met.
Phase 5: Interior Finishing and Final Touches (1-2 Months)
After finishing the main structure, the contractors start working on the interiors. At this point, you will witness your vision coming to life as their teams will install new flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and paint the walls in the desired part of the house you wanted to remodel. This interior finishing and final touches take 1-2 months. Once the addition is completed, the head of the contracting team does the final inspection to make sure everything is up to the building codes, before you can officially call the space yours and enjoy using it.
Primary Key Factors That Affect Cost
Many factors play a crucial role in determining the cost of your construction project. Home addition prices can vary, so have a backup of 10-20% to keep your project going. Plus, what you’re spending can depend on factors like location and the size of your home.
Size and Complexity
The biggest significant element that drives the cost is the size and complexity of your remodeling project.
The larger the space you want to redesign, the more you have to pay for the materials and labor, who will be on their toes day and night to finish your project on time.
For instance, if you have vaulted ceilings, custom angles, or difficult layouts, that is going to add to your bills. But sticking to a simple, rectangular bump-out is less costly than a multi-story addition.
Materials and Finishes
The materials you choose for your flooring, countertops, windows, and siding have a huge impact on the final price. Selecting high-end materials is going to cost you more, but they are durable and offer long-term value, too. On the other hand, buying the readily available standard-grade materials can assist you in remaining within your budget.
Labor Costs
Rates vary by region and are influenced by the experience of both contractors and subcontractors. While hiring a well-renowned company may cost more, you’ll benefit from their expertise, as they are more likely to deliver high-quality work within the agreed timeframe.
How To Tips Hire the Right Contractor?
Hiring a good contractor plays a vital role in managing everything professionally and wrapping things up on time, while a bad one can result in expensive mistakes and clashes of opinions. Therefore, do the following:
Talk To Multiple Contractors
Consult at least three to five different contractors to get detailed written quotes, outlining the material and labor cost, and other expenses. Compare them carefully and don’t settle for the ones that are offering suspiciously low rates.
Verify Credentials
Check the contractor’s credentials. Make sure they have the license and are insured to work. You have the right to ask for evidence and the reliability of the worker’s compensation insurance. This guards you from damage to your property.
Conclusion
Keep the remodeling project’s timeline, cost factors, and contractor tips in mind while planning a home addition to avoid disappointments. Or simply trust the experts and contact Garzone Construction for your similar future projects.