5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Home Addition in Virginia

Building an addition to your home is a great way to increase your living space and boost your property’s resale value. However, it’s vital that you approach any home extension project carefully and methodically.

Many Virginia homeowners make critical mistakes when planning a home addition project that ultimately leads to it becoming a costly and lengthy endeavor.

With that in mind, here are the top five common mistakes homeowners are susceptible to when putting an addition on a house and strategies for avoiding them.

5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Building An Addition To Your Virginia Home

Mistake #1: Failing to secure the right permits

Putting an addition on a house is one of the biggest projects you will ever undergo as a homeowner. Building permits guarantee that your plans meet important safety and technical standards. Many Virginia homeowners simply dive in under the false assumption that they are free to remodel their property however they choose.

In reality, your plans must be approved by inspectors, and you must secure permits before any home addition remodeling begins (not after). Failing to meet these requirements can lead to fines and other penalties, including orders to remove the addition.

In Virginia, building permits are usually handled by local authorities, either on the county or municipal level. The permitting process can take time to complete, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Prepare your home extension plans and technical specifications well in advance, then make the necessary arrangements to have them reviewed and approved.

Many home addition contractors, including Mid-Atlantic Home Improvement, will handle the process of obtaining the required permits for you. It’s one of the perks of going with a reputable builder.

Mistake #2: Underestimating home addition costs

The average cost of an addition to a home varies wildly, depending on location, project type, and style. Budgeting is a critical part of the process, and you should take the time to make sure you get it right when calculating your home addition cost. The easiest way to set your budget is to identify the maximum amount of money you’re willing to spend, then work backward. What kind of home addition project can you realistically complete within those cost constraints?

Failing to budget properly will lead to cutting corners on the construction once it’s started, especially for DIY house additions. This creates safety hazards and potentially lowers the value of your home. Instead, be practical about your budget, and allow a cushion of at least 10% for contingencies.

At Mid-Atlantic, we work with each home owner to ensure their renovation project remains on budget by reviewing costs and options before the work begins and answering questions as they arise.

Mistake #3: Choosing an inconsistent style

Cost constraints often compel homeowners to build house additions that are at odds with the rest of their homes. Look around and you’ll see many examples of beautiful brick houses with additions finished with tawdry aluminum siding. They stick out like sore thumbs, diminishing your home’s curb appeal.

Instead, find creative ways of making the addition work with the rest of your home. A professional designer or architect will be a major asset, especially if you’re looking to get the most out of a limited budget.

Here at Mid-Atlantic, we have a team of highly skilled specialty contractors including architects, designers, and structural engineers to ensure your house addition is done right!

Mistake #4: Doing everything yourself

Building an addition to your home is a serious business. Even smaller home additions such as family room additions off the kitchen or master suite additions to a ranch house require extensive technical expertise to execute properly.

Unless you have professional construction, plumbing, and electrical experience, you shouldn’t try adding to an old house yourself. Instead, always hire reputable home extension contractors. You will save time and potentially avoid unresolvable mistakes (which will save you money as well).

At Mid-Atlantic, we have over 45 years of construction experience, and offer full one year warranty on all materials & workmanship with extended manufacturer warranties.

Mistake #5: Hiring the wrong contractor

We don’t have to tell you that the contractor you choose will have a huge influence on the success of your project. Hiring the cheapest contractor in a bid to save some money can lead to sloppy workmanship and inferior results, so be sure to factor in more than just the price estimates.

Look for local addition builders with excellent customer reviews, and choose a contractor who has demonstrated experience building additions similar in shape, size, and style to the one you envision for your home.

Ask to see examples of their past work, check their credentials with licensing authorities and the Better Business Bureau, and ultimately choose the contractor who offers the best combination of affordability and reputability.

We Are a Family-Owned & Operated Virginia General Contractor Since 1975!

Whether you want to build a second story on your house, add a master bedroom/bathroom, or need a garage addition with a room above, we have the experience and expertise necessary to turn your dreams into reality! Over the years, we’ve handled numerous custom home additions and extensions, large and small.

If you’re looking for a general contractor for home additions, we’ve got you covered. With over four decades of experience in renovating homes throughout the Piedmont region of Virginia, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality contractor services, superior craftsmanship, and complete customer satisfaction.

We are a fully licensed, insured, and bonded Virginia Class A Builder, in business since 1975!

Over the last 45 years, we’ve performed countless custom home improvement and high-end remodel & renovation projects throughout Virginia. From high-quality home additions to kitchen upgrades, fire and water damage repairs, garage conversions, basement renovation projects, and much more, we are your one-stop shop for all your home improvement needs!

To get an idea of what it would cost to add an addition to your home, contact us for an estimate. Call (804) 647-0649 today!