How to Add a Room to a House

Calculate how much you can afford to handle. Determine how you are going to pay for the project. Visit your bank and apply for a home improvement loan before you start the project. Use your own money if you can, but a great alternative is to use a home equity loan or a low-interest personal loan should this not be feasible.

Plan your project. Look for the perfect spot where your room may be built. Ideally, new room space will be plentiful, so the rear of your home may be best suited. This will allow the new room to complement the remainder of the home.

Contact the local zoning office. Permission must be granted before you may build on your home. Take pictures and measurements of your home. The application will be reviewed and the zoning officials will inform you of the maximum allowed size of your intended addition.

Contact three general contractors for quotes. Contact more for an even more accurate quote, if desired. Room additions are extensive and they require the foundation be poured, a frame be built and sheetrock is hung. Finally, an electrician and a plumber may be required. Instead of trying to contract several people, one general contractor will be able to obtain the proper permits and coordinate the whole project.

Store any signed documents in a safe location. Some contractors may quote one amount and ultimately charge a higher price. Some may slack in their work or disappear for a little while. Maintain a close look on the project.