The Things to Consider for a Home Addition

Style

• One of your main considerations when adding onto the house is whether you want the style of architecture to match the existing architecture. You might have a brick house and want to add a wood addition to create a contrast. Consider whether the addition is meant to complement or contrast and be honest about the aesthetic elements of this choice.

Proportion

• Consider proportion as well as architecture. Decide if you want the new addition to overwhelm the existing structure or will the addition remain in harmony in with your house in terms of size and shape.

Building Upward

• A home addition doesn't have to jut outward from the house. Give thought to an addition that occupies a second floor. Building up is a good way to save yard space or to get an addition that is too big for being added to the front, side or back of the house.

Cross Ventilation

• Providing natural ventilation should a primary consideration. A floor plan that includes windows on at least two walls is the best plan for ensuring that the new addition is properly design to achieve cross-ventilation.

Planning for Age

• Plan ahead for age concerns because you will get older and that means getting a little more unsteady and weaker. If you are making an addition to your house in your middle age, plan for your elderly years just around the corner by making any exterior entry wheelchair-accessible, and putting safety bars in tubs and showers. Choose rounded countertops rather than those with an edge to prevent even more serious injury should you fall on it.

Bidding Process

• Become familiar with the bidding process. An estimate is based on the general overview of the project and you can expect changes in this amount as plans and designs change. A bid is a non-binding agree specifying the charge for the contractor's work. A quote should be detailed about the cost of products and materials, but this is also non-binding.

Decorative Extras

• Think about what kind of little decorative extras you have always wanted and work them into the addition. This could be a bay window, window seats, built-in bookcases or a double sink. Also consider upgrading the look of the interior with trim and molding. The addition is your chance to put your stamp on a house you may not have had built just for you. Don't be afraid to add a little pizazz to your new addition.