According to the Joint Center for Housing Centers of Harvard University (JCHS), home improvement spending has increased from $328 billion dollars in 2019 to a projected $485 billion dollars in 2024. The home improvement industry has had tremendous growth in the last few years, and homeowners are renovating bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and more. The desire for home additions has increased as families crave more space and want a say in how that space is utilized. Three-season rooms, swim spas, and additional bedrooms or bathrooms are just some of the projects we help our clients bring to life that add benefit to their lives and home value.
If you’re thinking of embarking on a home addition project, it can be overwhelming, and that’s understandable. You want to be sure the finished project is something you’ll enjoy for years to come. Where do you even begin? Here are the primary considerations when beginning a home addition.
Budget:
Before you place that first phone call or save images to your Pinterest board, it’s crucial to come up with the budget for your project. While it’s not the most fun part of the process, it’s the most necessary. Establish a budget that allows for the vision you have to come to fruition without spending outside of your comfort zone. That budget will vary from family to family. Be sure to account for all aspects of the project such as demolition, cleanup disposal, and final furnishings. Additionally, set aside part of the budget for unforeseen costs like health or safety concerns: mold, rot, or water damage. Plan for your big-ticket items first. For example, if you’re adding a room extending out from your home, you’ll need flooring, a ceiling, and walls. These will take up the largest part of your budget. Keep in mind that when you go to sell, homeowners typically see a return on their investment of about 70% if the addition adds both square footage and value.
Hire a Professional:
Once your budget is determined, it’s time to select the right professional to help navigate the process from start to finish. It’s imperative that you choose a contractor with reliability, expertise, and glowing references. When you hire a design-build firm for your home addition, you can take comfort in knowing that the process will be handled efficiently and professionally. Years of watching HGTV has us thinking that DIY projects are quick and easy, but we know that just isn’t the case. When you consult with a company like J&J Construction, you’re getting years of experience and advice. They are familiar with materials, processes, and considerations. Allow them to do the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively, and be confident knowing your project will be handled beautifully and in a timely manner. Finally, a professional will handle permits and deal with building and area regulations, something that can be complicated to navigate but is essential to the process. This step is crucial to avoid any legal issues later, so you don’t want to make any assumptions about what is and is not needed.
Design:
You’ve determined a budget and you’ve hired a professional. Now comes the fun part: design! You may or may not have a vision in mind, and either way is okay. Share your thoughts and ideas with your design professional and within the parameters of your budget create a plan that will leave you happy in the end. By collaborating together, you and your hired design-build firm will consider structural integrity, aesthetics, and functionality. Be open to new ideas, but also make sure your desires are heard as well. You can’t just tack on an extra room to your house without an idea of its purpose. How will this addition add to your quality of life? Do you need additional office space? An in-law suite? An additional bathroom? Yes, you’re adding square footage to your home, but what you’re really adding is convenience and a home that will fit your day to day lifestyle.
Materials:
The materials you and your contractor select depend largely on the budget you set at the start of your home addition project. Beyond budget however, it’s important to select materials that align with your personal aesthetic and the overall design of your home. You want the addition to flow nicely with the rest of your home, not be a stark difference. In fact, we feel the most successful home additions look like they’ve always been part of the home. Professional design-build firms will offer suggestions for extending the roof and foundation, choosing the right finishes, and integrating your home’s systems like plumbing, electrical, etc. Wood flooring, siding, roofing, trim and paint are typically easy to match with your existing choices, but others may prove more difficult. Not to worry: select materials that will compliment the others. Keep in mind durability and sustainability as well.
Construction:
A reliable firm will manage your project and be sure all aspects of the home addition are completed in a timely manner. Once construction begins, a contractor should keep homeowners informed about every step of the process and address any challenges should they arise. Sometimes timelines change, but open communication between homeowners and hired professionals is key. Depending on the size of your renovation, homeowners may decide to move somewhere else temporarily. Construction on a large scale can be disruptive to a family’s day to day schedule. When construction is complete there will be dust, debris and plenty of cleanup. The firm should handle this for you, but there may be residual dust for a few weeks.
Enjoy!
Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy your new space for years to come. Whether you’ve added an additional bathroom or added living space to your outdoor area, take time to really appreciate the finished product. J&J Construction is your go-to expert when it comes to home additions and renovations. Our designers are eager to meet in order to discuss your needs. If you’d like more information about our renovation process, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us for a free phone consultation: You can schedule one with our experienced team today!
