So, you’re running out of space and considering a home addition or renovation. Maybe you need an extra bedroom, a bigger kitchen, or just a quiet spot for a home office. Whatever your reason, they can be a great way to make your house work better for you and even increase its value. But before you start renovating or building an addition to your home, there are a few things to consider.
Understand What Home Additions Involve
First, let’s clarify what we mean by “home additions.” It could be as simple as extending a room or as complex as adding a whole new floor. Knowing what you want will help guide everything else, from your budget to the planning process.
Determine Your Budget
Let’s talk money. It’s probably the first question on your mind: “How much is this going to cost?” Well, it depends. The size of your addition, the materials you choose, and even where you live can all affect the price tag. Setting a realistic budget early on can save you headaches down the road.
Create Detailed Home Addition Plans
Once you’ve got a budget in mind, you’re ready to dig in to your project! It’s time to start planning. This is where working with an architect and structural engineer is very important.
A residential architect can help make sure your new space fits seamlessly with your existing home, both inside and out. They’ll also create detailed plans for your renovation or new addition that you’ll need for permits and contractors.
Check Zoning and Permit Requirements
Before you get too far along, check your local zoning laws and building codes. These can affect everything from how big your addition can be to how close it can be to your property line. Your local planning office or a knowledgeable architect can help you navigate these regulations.
Explore Home Addition Ideas for Your Project
Now for the fun part – deciding what your new space will look like! Whether you’re dreaming of a new home office or big owner’s suite, gathering some home addition ideas is a great place to start.
Start looking through Coastal Creek Design’s Instagram and portfolio of work, magazines, online sites and Pinterest for inspiration. This can help you visualize what’s possible and communicate your vision to your design team.
Factor in the Timeline
Building an addition to your home takes time, and usually longer than you might expect. Weather, permit delays, and contractor schedules can all impact your timeline.
We can have the full set of permit plan plans (Architectural & Structural) back to you within 56 days of acceptance of proposal/notice to proceed/signed contract. This assumes a quick response to all of our architectural design reviews, and active participation throughout. This also assumes that your neighborhood ARB will not slow us down with our process.
This is roughly 5 weeks of Architectural Time, and 3 weeks of Structural time. If the architectural work/approval goes long then that will affect the timeline, ARB review/comments will slow down the timeline as well.
We find that most other sought after architects/engineers are backed up and 10-30 weeks out on turning around plans. We purposefully limit the amount of clients we have, in order to be responsive with quick turnaround times
Select Experienced Contractors
Picking the right contractors is crucial. Look for companies with experience in similar projects and good reviews. They should know the local building codes and understand both the structural and design aspects of home additions and renovations.
Consider Long-Term Value and Functionality
While planning, think about how this space will work for you now and in the future. Will it still be practical as your family grows or your needs change? Creating a flexible space that can adapt over time will help make sure your investment pays off in the long run.
Planning the Perfect Home Addition
Home additions can be a great way to make your house work better for you and your family. With some careful planning and the right team, you can create a new space that feels like it’s always been part of your home.
Are you thinking about building an addition to your home? We’d love to help! At Coastal Creek Design, our architects and engineers work side by side to make your project run smoothly from start to finish. Contact us to explore your options and turn your home addition ideas into reality.
