How to Eliminate Your Family's Growing Pains - Room Addition

Room Addition Things to Think Through

All projects need a plan, this project demands one.

Home market values in the neighborhood:
-Determine the size of addition and market value prior to actually breaking ground.
-Find out the market value of homes in the local area with similar size and features.
-Calculate the difference between their current and improved home market value.
-The difference should represent the maximum budget for the addition.
Financing:
-If current mortgage rates are higher than the existing mortgage use a home equity loan.
-If current mortgage rates are lower than the existing mortgage, refinancing your home and cost of the home addition project.
Size and scale of project:
-The addition should be of size and scale so it fits in with the original house.
-When you add living space the addition should have a good outside appearance.
-To maintain its exterior aesthetics consider siding, doors, windows, roof lines, and elevations.
-Know how much yard space that will be used.

Personal disruption/inconvenience threshold:
-A home addition can very disruptive and chaotic.
-It is a dusty, dirty and noisy endeavor.
-Working with subcontractors can be challenging and will need your time during the day, at work or not.

Your sweat equity commitment level:
-Honestly assess your skills, available time, and project schedule.
-Tasks that require specific skill, time, and brawn range from ground work to drywall.
-Electric and plumbing will need permit and inspection.
-Consider doing inside finish work with know-how and available time.
-Do what you can, hire out the rest.

Hiring a Contractor For Your Room Addition:

Know what you want before you pick up the phone.
-List every detail of what you want done.
-Know your budget and stick to it.

Get recommendations.
-Friends/family, City Inspector, BBB.
Do phone interviews.
-Get references and previous clients in your area.
Meet in person to discuss details.
Follow-up on Contractor provided information.
Get bids.
Put it in writing.
-Payment schedule;
-10% at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent, 15 percent when completed.
-Proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation payments;
-Start and projected completion date;
-Lien release from all subcontractors and suppliers.

Home Design Software

Make it a reality. Turn your dreams into a visually thought out and planned drawing.

Instant Architect - www.borderbund.com
Whether you're designing a new home or building an addition, this software will bring your vision to life.
The Learning Company Bob Villa's Home Design - www.dealtime.com
Easy enough for the weekend hobbyist yet advanced enough for the experienced builder.
Punch! 5 In 1 Home Design - punchsoftware.com
Bring your ideas to life in stunning 3D while creating your home addition design.
Google SketchUp - www.sketchup.google.com
Pencil sketching with the speed and flexibility of digital media.
Fast Plans 11.1 - www.blackmtnsoft.com
Draw architectural plans with the easy to use software so you can concentrate on the design.

Home Technology To Incorporate in Your Room Addition

This is an opportunity to begin behind the walls, not to retro fit. Think out your needs ahead of time.

Energy saving equipment
Home control systems
In- and outdoor light control
Home theater system
Temperature systems
Phones & intercoms Before Starting Your Room Addition
In- and outdoor security system
Surveillance
Indoor room monitoring

Know your City's building codes.

Check with your building department if you are putting on an addition.
-Local codes usually specify how far from the property line a house must be.
-If your addition is too close, you may need a variance, or you may be prohibited from building at all.
-Find out whether you will need to submit your plans for approval.
-Get printed information about the ordinances that apply to your remodel and the various types of permits you will need.
-Ask for a list of certified contractors who are legally allowed to install in your city.
-Check with your local building department before doing any work yourself.
-Prepare for inspections.
-Read pertinent sections of the building code so you will know exactly what things the inspector will be looking for.
-If you hire subcontractors, ask them to be present when their work is inspected.