Complete Home Additions

October 28, 2016

Remodeling and adding an addition to an existing home are improvement projects that many homeowners consider. Home additions and improvement of living space combined with endless possibilities for usage, materials, colors, and other preferences are the creative homeowner’s dream. However, big renovation and addition projects require planning, budgeting, and hiring the right contractors. Being prepared for the inconvenience and expense of adding onto your home will help minimize surprises and hassles.   

Planning: When adding on to your existing home, make sure the addition will be integrated seamlessly into the overall design and aesthetic of the house. A home addition requires planning and effort to make it look like it belongs to the house, and hasn’t just been tacked on haphazardly. A trusted architect or building contractor can help in this area. Likewise, nearly all home additions require permits from the local city or county government. A good contractor should help you get the proper permits to ensure the addition is up to code. Adding on to your home without the proper permits can lead to code violations and difficulties when it’s time to sell the home. 

Budgeting: Home additions are costly. Costhelper.com estimates that adding an additional bathroom or bedroom can easily cost $25,000-$50,000. Homeowners can save money by choosing to remodel an existing room instead or by converting an existing space, such as basement or attic rooms, into a bedroom, bathroom, or family room. Also, expect your property insurance to go up a bit, and plan for the possibility of unforeseen expenses such as rotting floorboards that need replacement or mold cleanup.

Hiring the Right Contractor: One of the biggest decisions to make is who to hire. Any contractor should be licensed and insured, and be able to help you obtain the proper building permits. Before you interview contractors, have a detailed plan of what materials you want to use and your vision for the finished product. Expect unexpected expenses here and there, but ask for receipts from the contractor, and don’t pay the full bill until the job is finished. Don’t forget to have a clear idea before the work begins about what hours the contractor will work, what they will clean up at the end of the day, and how much noise and dust will be created. Finally, ask which aspects of the job the contractor will do, and how much of it they plan to sub-contract out. For more questions to ask a potential contractor, see this article from U.S. News and World Report.  

Located in Dunn, North Carolina, McKeelwork, Inc. is a full-service remodeling and HVAC contractor. Servicing all brands of residential and commercial HVAC systems, McKeelwork’s licensed, insured technicians provide emergency service, repairs, full new-system installation, and warranties on parts and labor. We can also help with your remodeling and home addition projects, including bathroom and kitchen remodels, tiling, and exterior work such as brick, stone, painting, tree trimming, and pressure washing. To find out more about how McKeelwork, Inc. can maximize your home environment, visit our website or call (919) 631-7525.