A family’s housing needs change over time. Some families choose to move to smaller homes once their children grow up and move out, while others decide it’s best to increase their living space as their families grow. When it comes to the latter, a family has two choices: to either purchase a larger home, or to add on to their current home.
If you’re thinking about adding onto your house, there are some things you should keep in mind to ensure your project not only meets your needs, but also your budget. Here are four important things you should think about when adding onto your existing home.
What Type and Size of Addition Do You Want?
Odds are you already know why you need to add on to your home, but this can’t go without being asked – what type of addition do you actually want? Whether you want a sunroom, an extra bedroom, or a detached office, every type of addition comes with its own unique challenges, requirements, and budgetary concerns.
You should also have an idea of how large you want your new addition to be because the square footage will impact your costs. Before you start interviewing contractors, learn about what it’s going to take to get the addition you want.
How Substantial Is Your Budget?
When people ask, “should I add on to my house?” the answer often depends on the amount of money it’s going to take to complete the project. You need to have an idea of how much you have to spend on your project before you start, and you need to have at least 20% over that amount saved. The reason is because installing an addition involves a lot of unforeseen expenses.
For example, if your project requires excavation, you can expect to pay nearly $3,000 for it. Adding support beams and trusses can cost about $75 per yard. Insulation costs $2 per square foot. These expenses add up quickly, and there are dozens more like them. You need to know what you have to work with, so you can make sure the design you want fits within your budget.
Will You Need to Hire an Architect?
The answer to this question depends on how complex your addition is. For example, if you’re just having an extra bedroom or sunroom added on, then an experienced contractor will most likely be able to handle the job. But, if your project involves making structural changes to your home, then an architect’s experience will be valuable.
If you’re adding on to your home with the hopes that it will increase its value, then hiring an architect will greatly improve the odds of this happening.
Are You Thinking About Selling?
Even if you aren’t actively thinking about selling your home, any changes you make to it should improve its value in the event you ever do. Keep in mind that not all home add-ons deliver the same return on the investment. Those that pay off the best include bedrooms and bathrooms.
Get a Free Quote for Windows from Thompson Creek Today
If you need new windows for a home addition, then contact Thompson Creek today. We have been performing reliable and highly skilled custom window installations for nearly 40 years. We manufacture our own windows, so we’re able to give you higher quality and better performing windows for less.
When you choose Thompson Creek as your contractor, you get the finest materials installed on your home. Want to learn more? Just call the window experts at Thompson Creek and get a free estimate for your new windows today.