Before moving forward on putting an addition on to your home, it is imperative to thoroughly think through an assortment of questions and issues that will impact your decisions. Consulting with the experienced professionals at Balsitis Contracting is the first step as you work through the considerations to determine if adding on to your current home is the direction you want to go.
The following are circumstances we discuss with clients who are looking to have an addition constructed.
Establish Explicit Goals
The idea behind constructing an addition is to provide additional space and increased square footage, but it’s necessary to determine how the space will be used, as this will play a significant role in the layout and design. This includes identifying what you would like to have incorporated into the addition as it relates to specific rooms and products. One idea is to imagine you’re starting from scratch and building a home that will have everything you always wanted. This enables you to creatively think about what you want, while ranking your goals for the addition.
Examine Building Codes and Restrictions
Depending on where you live, there are a variety of codes and restrictions that will play a role in determining how and what you can build. Having an experienced builder, such as Balsitis Contracting, will allow you to develop a plan and design that meets those guidelines. For example, municipalities have regulations about what can be built and where, including height of the structure, which determines whether you build up or out. In addition, the home’s age may come into play as it relates to building regulations.
Another aspect to keep in mind are the boundaries of your homesite, necessitating a review of the land survey to precisely identify your property lines. This is crucial, as local codes enforce conditions on how close you can build to your lot lines, which are commonly different for a front, back, or side yard setback. We assist our clients in this regard when completing the design and obtaining the construction permits.
Unified Design
When considering an addition, it is imperative that the new structure work seamlessly with the original building, having it look like it has always been part of the home. We consider exterior architectural elements such as how the new roofline connects to the house, the finish materials such as soffit, fascia and window trim, siding and stonework, and the overall aesthetics to make sure they blend new and existing elements effectively. Even a trivial design mistake may bring about an unexpected shift from old to new.
It is also necessary to keep in mind how the addition will work with other homes in the area, which may have a reflection on the home’s value. If your neighborhood is comprised of similar style homes, such as Colonial or Craftsman, you will likely want your addition to fit that design. However, if you reside in an area that is comprised of mainly custom homes, consistency is not as essential.
Determine A Budget
Establishing the amount of money you’re looking to spend is a significant component of the planning process. As part of our discussion related to goals regarding the project, we will work with you to create a realistic budget for what you are seeking to have built. To successfully control the budget, prioritizing needs from wants is required, keeping in mind that remodeling is more than new construction per square foot because of multiple factors. These include demolition that may be required, sufficient mechanical systems to support the new square footage, or just outdated mechanical services and equipment.
In conjunction with establishing a budget is determining the financing of the project, which can include a variety of financing options. It is also necessary to plan for additional cost factors after the addition is complete, such as increased expenses for heating and cooling, higher property taxes, and maintenance.
Balsitis Contracting staff have the know-how and skills to design and build an addition that will fit perfectly with your current home while providing the extra space for you to make your home all it can be. Call 262-203-3952, e-mail info@balsitiscontracting.com, or complete our online form to start the process of adding on and having the home you’ve always desired.