The sounds of tools whirring as work commences on your home expansion can be exciting. However, embarking on something this big may become overwhelming. Property owners must plan room addition projects carefully to make the entire process more manageable.
At Paragon Builders, our professional experts have the skills, resources, and experience to plan home expansions. We can guide you through the steps involved to ensure a hassle-free experience.
How to Plan Room Addition Projects: Step-by-step Guidance
Whether it’s to accommodate a growing family or a change in lifestyle, a room addition project can add more space to your house. Here are the key steps involved in planning a home expansion:
1. Identify the Problem
Before deciding on the type of home improvement project to embark on, it’s essential to understand your needs. What are the problems that you’re facing? Will a room addition help resolve them?
If you’re expecting a new family member or need more space, an extra bedroom may be the best option. However, you may need to consider a remodel if you’re concerned about the functionality of your living space.
Since you’re already reading this article, you’ve identified the problem and believe that a room addition may be the right solution. Now, proceed to the next step.
2. Set a Budget
The average cost of a room addition in the United States is $46,000. Depending on the scope of the project and your needs, it may set you back anywhere between $21,000 and $73,500.
Allocating a budget is an integral part of planning a room addition. Think about your financial situation and how much you’re willing to pay for this home improvement project. Make sure to give yourself some wiggle room, as unpredictable issues, such as inflation, could lead to unexpected costs.
While it’s possible to save thousands of dollars by considering a DIY approach, it’s essential to work with an experienced professional, especially if you don’t know the potential risks and complexities involved in a home improvement project.
3. Find Your Property Lines
Before you can even plan a room addition, you must identify your property lines. These are markings on your house’s blueprint that define where your land ends, as the home expansion cannot extend into your neighbor’s territory.
The deed to your property can help you understand the space you have available. However, if you can’t find that information there, it’s best to reach out to the county assessor’s office.
Knowing where your property ends is important, as local codes may restrict how close you can build a room addition to your neighbor.
Pro tip: Check with city hall to learn more about the guidelines you need to follow and the permits you must have before adding to your home’s existing structure.
4. Design Your Room Addition
If you want to add an extra room, assessing the current floor plan is the best way to get started. By looking at the existing blueprint of your house, you can determine the space where you can build an additional bedroom.
Designing is an important part of a home improvement project. Working with an experienced contractor can help you visualize how the room might look from the outside. It can also help you get accurate estimates.
During the design stage, the skilled contractor can also guide you on how you can improve your home’s resale potential. Creating an open floor plan, for example, may add value to your house.
5. Reach out to Reputable Contractors
Whether it’s designing the extra space or seeking permits from the relevant authorities, a reputable contractor can help you plan a room addition and avoid all of the pitfalls associated with this type of home improvement project.
With so many different remodeling companies, finding one that understands your needs can be challenging. Here are the key steps that you should follow before hiring a contractor:
- Do your due diligence: When you come across a home improvement company, make sure that you do your research. Check the Better Business Bureau website and other platforms for reviews and go through them to learn more about the previous clients’ experiences. You can also seek referrals from friends or family members who have recently added a room to their property.
- Schedule an on-site consultation: While a contractor may be reputable, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the right fit for the job. A room addition can be a time-consuming project, and you’ll have construction workers roaming in and around your property. It’s important to work with a professional with whom you’re comfortable. During the on-site consultation, make sure to ask them relevant questions and think about how you feel around them to determine whether you want to work with them.
- Ask for referrals: When the contractor visits your property, ask about their past projects and any referrals they can provide. Contact previous clients to learn more about their experience with the company.
- Gather quotations: Consult with several contractors before getting quotations from them. While price can be a factor when determining the professional you want to work with for your home improvement project, it shouldn’t be the only thing that you should consider. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better, and you should always prioritize paying extra for premium-quality services.
6. Select the Materials
When you ask a contractor to visit your home, discuss the project with them and talk about the different materials you can use. This will give you insights into the option that is best for you and fits within your budget.
Plan a Room Addition with Paragon Builders and Design Your Dream Living Space Today!
We at Paragon Builders are premium contractors with over 90 years of combined experience delivering more than 700 individual projects across San Diego.
Whether it is custom homes, remodeling, garage conversions, or room additions, our experts can help you plan accordingly to ensure a seamless and care-free experience.
Call us at +1 (858) 336-8336 to schedule a free consultation with our skilled professionals to help you visualize, plan, and design your next home improvement project.
