Many homeowners choose to add to their homes to make their living space more comfortable and functional. Doing so allows them to stay in their current location instead of moving. Before starting a home addition project, it's important to understand the various steps involved. A home addition project involves many different pieces that need to be arranged in order to complete the project. These include the design, the permitting process, and the securing of materials. Here is a list of the five general steps to completing a home construction project. 1. Explore your options and assess your budget Before starting a home addition project, it's vital first to identify the project's goals. For instance, if you want to add a second room to the house, or make the kitchen bigger, then you should determine the scope of the project. You should also assess the budget for the project. It's important to have a realistic budget so that you can plan for all of the details of the project and avoid getting carried away by the project's high cost. Many homeowners have a hard time budgeting for their home addition projects, so be prepared to compromise. If you're planning on seeking financing for the project, now is the ideal time to look into it. 2. Select a Contractor, or a design & build firm Having the right contractor can make the difference between a smooth and a disastrous start. When choosing a contractor or a design & build firm, they must have the proper experience to ensure that the project is completed on time and with quality. It would be best if you also looked for a contractor with liability insurance and a valid license. One of the best ways to hire a design & build firm is to have them provide a complete range of services, such as design consultation, construction drawings, and project management. You should also consider the quality of their work and their reputation. 3. Finalise design, material selection, and obtain permits approvals After selecting a contractor and establishing the financing plan, you may think it's now time to start the project's construction. However, there are still many steps that need to be completed in order to begin the project. Due to the current economic situation, many suppliers are experiencing significant delays in their delivery times. It's important that all of your products, such as cabinets, tile, and flooring, are ordered and selected well before construction begins. This ensures that the project is completed on time and with quality. Before the start of the construction, it's crucial for the design decisions to be finalized. Before the physical construction of the home addition can begin, you need to get the necessary permits. Having the proper permits is very important, as they will determine the building code and regulations that will apply to the project. If you're planning on living in a housing association, you should also check the rules regarding the addition. You must consider the safety and
comfort of your family during the construction period. It may be necessary to consider alternate living arrangements temporarily. 4. Preparing the Site and Start Construction! The construction process is long and complex and can be broken down into several steps. Once the foundation is poured and the framing complete, the floors, walls, and roof are built. The necessary facade and cladding will then be applied to the exterior walls. With the walls constructed, windows and exterior doors can be added. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are then installed as the inside of the home is now protected from the outside. Insulation and drywall can now be added to improve energy efficiency and enclose any exposed framing. As for the home's finishes, cabinetry, flooring, tile, fixtures, lighting, and electronics will be the final step of the process, bringing life into the home. 5. Move in and Beyond After construction has been completed, you are ready to move back into your home. However, before you start the construction of the new home, you should make a list of the various items that need to be adjusted or corrected. Most contractors and build firms will allow you to make this list and complete the necessary steps. You can also expect a warranty from the firm to resolve any issues that may occur during the project.