The Dos & Don’ts of Building a House Addition

Building a house addition can be a complex and challenging process. Whether you want to add space for a growing family or simply improve the resale value of your property, it’s important to approach the project with care and attention to detail as well as avoid some common (and costly) mistakes.

Below are some dos & don’ts of building a house addition to keep in mind before starting the project.

The Dos of Building a House Addition

Do: Understand Local Regulations Regarding Home Additions

One of the most important things to remember when building an addition is to do your research. Take the time to research zoning regulations and building codes in your area. This will ensure that your addition is up to code and that you won’t run into any legal issues down the line.

Additionally, it’s important to work with experienced architects and contractors who can help guide you through the process and make sure that your addition is structurally sound.

Do: Hire a Professional Contractor To Handle Your Home Addition

Speaking of professionals, hiring an experienced contractor is a crucial step when considering adding a new addition to your home. A licensed and insured contractor with years of experience in home additions will make the difference between your project being a success or a major headache (not to mention, a costly mistake).

It’s not just the knowledge and skill that they bring to the table. With their years in the industry, they will guide you through the process, help you avoid the common pitfall, and provide the necessary support throughout. A good contractor will also take a comprehensive approach to the process and evaluate factors such as weather conditions and soil type, which might affect the structural integrity of your addition. They will also act as your liaison with architects or engineers to ensure the project runs smoothly.

Finally, a professional with years under their belt will offer high-quality material & construction recommendations that can assure that your addition lasts longer, withstand changes in weather conditions, and have a lower risk of experiencing structural issues in the future, giving you peace of mind that your investment will benefit you for years to come.

Do: Create a Realistic Budget for Your House Addition Project

Another important “do” is to plan ahead as much as possible. Building an addition can be a lengthy and expensive process, so it’s essential to create a realistic budget and timeline. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses and delays, and it will ensure that your project stays on track from start to finish.

Determine how much money you can allocate to the project, including materials, labor, permits, and other costs. Consult with your contractor so your budget realistically reflects what you want to accomplish.

In addition, it’s important to consider future needs when designing your addition. Will you need additional storage or living space in the future? Make sure that your home addition is designed with these needs in mind.

The Don’ts of Building a House Addition

Don’t: Begin Construction Before Acquiring Permits & Approvals

One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is starting their project before they have the necessary permits and approvals. This can result in costly fines, legal issues, and other problems down the line, including having to rip out the work and redo it to ensure compliance with building codes.

Additionally, building inspectors provide oversight to ensure that the construction is safe and complies with building codes. Without their approval, your project could have hidden structural problems jeopardizing your family’s safety.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to obtain all necessary permits and approvals before starting construction.

Don’t: Cut Corners To Save Money

It’s important to avoid cutting corners in order to save money. As tempting as this may be, it can lead to a poorly constructed addition that doesn’t meet building codes or stands up to wear and tear.

When corners are cut on quality materials, skilled labor, or by ignoring codes, structural integrity, and longevity can be compromised. This may lead to more repair costs in the future, fire or water damage (if the problems are of electrical or plumbing nature), and other safety-related issues.

Bottom line: taking shortcuts may seem like an attractive option initially but can be disastrous and end up costing more in the long run. It’s better to choose a reliable contractor, invest in quality materials, follow regulations, and get the job done right in beginning. Your home is worth it!

Don’t: Underestimate The Aesthetics While Building a House Addition

Finally, don’t forget to consider the aesthetics of your addition. Take cues from your home’s architectural style when designing the addition:

• if your home is a colonial revival style, consider incorporating columns, symmetry, and a gabled roof into the new addition
• choose materials that are consistent with those used in the existing structure to create a harmonious visual connection–especially for roofing, siding, windows, and doors
• match the existing color scheme, shapes, and architectural details such as trim/molding

Bottom line: make sure that the addition matches the overall style and design of your home, and doesn’t look like an eyesore or an afterthought. Aim to achieve a cohesive design, and keep the materials, color schemes, and architectural details aligned.

A well-designed addition will add value and aesthetic appeal to your home.

Need a Home Addition Contractor?

The above dos and don’ts will help set you on the right track for starting your home addition project. For more help, or a quote for your own addition project, contact Mid-Atlantic Home Improvement!

We are a fully licensed, insured, and bonded Virginia Class A Builder, in business 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 last 45 years, we’ve performed countless custom home improvement and high-end remodeling & renovation projects throughout Virginia, including home additions, new constructions, and more. 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!