Home additions are a great way to add space to a house that homeowners have outgrown over the years.

Hiring home addition contractors to add space to an existing house may be a dream for some homeowners, but it is also a home improvement project that should be undertaken with care.

Before jumping into an addition project with both feet, ask these questions first and consider the answers!

1. What Is The Available Budget And How Will It Be Paid For?

As with any other improvement project, always start a home addition project with a budget identified ahead of time as part of the planning process.

Is there enough money set aside for this specific project or is there a plan to refinance the house and build the cost of hiring home addition contractors into the new loan?

Access to the necessary funds should be worked out ahead of time so the project can actually move forward.

2. Can The Home Design Accommodate An Addition?

Once entering the design stage for a home addition, be sure to consider how well an addition will fit the existing house and what materials are available to blend it all together.

If the same siding or other external materials are not available or the materials on the house have faded, it might be necessary to re-side or repaint the whole house or choose some other material for the addition part.

Addition locations, sizes, and designs should be decided with the help of a professional designer who can make sure the desired addition looks appropriate within the design of the entire home and any issues related to its appearance are solved before they become an actual problem.

3. Will The Home Addition Actually Build Home Value?

Do consider the fact that in some neighborhoods, home additions may not increase the home value by much.

If the decision to add to an existing house is made in lieu of selling, be prepared to live in it for a while afterward.

Additions might seem like a boost to a home’s value and in many cases they are; however, in some neighborhoods it is impossible to recoup that value simply due to the values of the neighboring homes.

If increasing the value is a lower priority and the goal is simply comfort as well as more space, it may not be an issue.

4. Are There Other Ways To Gain Space Without An Addition?

While an addition is one way to add useful space to any house, there are other ways that skilled home addition contractors can do the same thing in some houses without having to add on.

Finished basements, finished attics, bump-outs, and even a re-imagining of existing space by moving walls and rooms can sometimes more easily achieve the same result.

Brainstorm with experienced contractors ahead of time to see what type of improvement project makes the most sense for achieving the desired results of having more useful space.

5. Has A Qualified Home Addition Contractor Been Chosen?

A critical step in any home addition project is to first find a skill and experienced contractor for the job.

Screen remodeling contractors carefully to find one who has specific experience doing home additions as these projects are vastly different than interior remodeling projects.

Look for one who offers complete design-build services or can recommend a qualified designer and other specialty contractors that will be necessary to complete the project.

Ask for references, check business reviews, and seek a detailed written project estimate that falls within the available budget.

Answer These Questions Before Doing A Home Addition

A home addition is a great way to make any house more comfortable and useful; however, before committing to an addition project, homeowners should answer these important questions that can affect their plans and the outcome of their efforts.

An experienced home addition contractor is essential to the process, from planning and budgeting to the final execution.

Together, homeowners that work together with a qualified home addition company to address these details can find new and inventive ways to add space and enjoyment to their house!