Home additions are a great way to improve comfort, appeal, and appearance. When done right, such projects can also improve the property’s value and help it sell faster on the real estate market, points out McCaw Management experts. Homeowners planning such a project must prepare their minds and finances to cater to the scope and ensure a desirable outcome.
Do you consider Phoenix Home Remodeling to be the next best step to improve your property and comfort? Here are some tips to help you avoid delays and disruptions.
1: Do Your Homework
Homeowners looking to improve their home appeal and appearance often leave the groundwork until the last minute. Hasty decisions increase the chances of errors and undesirable outcomes. Start planning the project in advance to prevent errors and avoid delays.
Planning the project comes in many parts. First, you want to have a clear vision and scope for the home addition project. You can start by researching some inspirations online. Doing your background research will increase the chance of finding a template you can relate to and want to adopt. Ensure to collect as many inspirational photos, videos, and other materials as possible.
Planning your finances is also an important part of the project. You want to create a realistic budget based on the plan and scope of the home addition project. Please note that it may be impossible to get an accurate estimate for the project without consulting a professional, however, you’re likely to get something close as you search online for inspiration.
With a plan in hand and an estimated budget in mind, you can now start considering moving the project forward to the actualization stage. Please note that the planning and financing aspects may take some time, especially if you do not readily have the financial strength to carry out the project. You may also consider financing the home addition, in which case, you have to decide whether you want contractor finance or other financing sources.
2: Hire The Right Contractor
The type of contractor you hire for your home addition project affects the outcome. Experienced and reputable contractors have a higher chance of delivering the expected outcomes.
When hiring a contractor, start by researching the top names and brands in the industry around you. You can also reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who have recently done a similar project for recommendations.
Getting recommendations is great, however, you should vet each contractor, read their reviews, consider their services, and more before hiring. As a rule of thumb, have at least three potential contractors vying for the project.
Consult with each of the contractors, explain the project to them and welcome their professional insight and experience. You can also ask about past projects they’ve handled. These projects can inspire you and your dreams for your space. Once satisfied, ask for quotes and compare them.
Be careful not to hire your contractor based on pricing information alone. It is best to hire for value as this increases the chances of a positive outcome.
3: Obtain Essential Permits For The Project
Home addition projects often require homeowners or contractors to draw permits from relevant bodies. The permitting process can sometimes be slow, depending on backlog and processing time. Please note that discussing who will apply for and process the permits is important.
In most cases, local contractors can handle the permitting process, saving the property owner from further stress and discomfort. However, you may need to handle the process yourself if you’ve brought a contractor unfamiliar with the local terrain.
Please note that obtaining permits and ensuring that the home addition meets up to the local building code is important. You may face fines, delays, or have to tear things down if you fail to obtain a permit or construct to code.
4: Clearly Define Project Scope And Timeline – And Be Realistic
One of the biggest factors that can delay a home addition project is unclear project scope. Another factor is uncommunicated or undocumented expectations. Homeowners must endeavor to communicate their expectations clearly to the contractor. Doing this helps the contractor understand what you want and determine whether they can deliver.
Contractors who have agreed to deliver within a certain time will most likely have the necessary steps to achieve the desired outcome. While the homeowner is expectant, the contractor should also receive the right financial backing during the project.
Homeowners should also shy away from making hasty decisions like changing their minds about agreed project details mid-way into the project. Such developments can hinder the project’s progress and ultimately cause delays and disruptions.
Following the four tips above can help you plan your next home addition project seamlessly and get things done faster.