When it comes to expanding your home, there are many things to consider. Will the addition affect future resale value? What building codes need to be followed? Do I need permits? How do I hire the right contractor?
Whether you are thinking of adding a garage addition, a second floor, dormer, casita or a new in-law suite, these are questions to answer before the first nail is pounded.
The pros at Onsite Construction discuss what you need to know when expanding your home.
Common Questions About Additions
A home addition is always big job, and one that you should build right. We’ve seen it all with home additions and often before we get started clients ask us these questions to make sure that an addition makes sense:
Should I Add an Addition?
House additions are an investment. Although you might not be planning to move any time soon, it’s important to consider the future resale value of a home addition. Ensure that the add-on is cost-effective and that the value of your home should increase.
Of course, if this is your forever home then it’s likely best to customize your home to fully suit your family’s needs.
How Much Will an Addition Cost?
The cost of expansion depends on numerous factors including the size of your project and what you plan to build. The bigger the project, the more it will cost.
Consider what you want and set limits. It is easy to say that you want to double the square footage of your home, but can you afford that? “How much” is a broad target. You must ask yourself, “How much do I want to spend?” and go from there. Expect your renovation to cost about $300/sq. Ft. (depending on your finishes) with a reputable builder.
Tight on money? We can help you finance your home addition with an FHA, Fannie Mae, or a VA loan.
Do I Need to Hire a Contractor?
Even if you are a skilled DIYer or have managed a small home project, a bathroom revamp is not the same as building an entire new space. An addition is not a home reno project to attempt on your own; you need a licensed contractor to do the work and ensure it is up to code. Hiring a builder is reassurance that the job will be done right.
The right team will make your dreams a reality and enhance your home’s resale value with high-quality workmanship. Before hiring a general contractor, get quotes from several reputable professionals like us. Check for reviews and that they are insured, licensed, and bonded to avoid liability or tax issues.
Read On > Key Questions to Ask Before a Home Renovation
Popular Home Additions
You don’t need to move! Here are some of the most popular ways to add extra square footage to your current home:
Kitchen Addition
If your kitchen is small or poorly designed, an addition can be a great investment. Gather ideas of what you envision it to look like.
Do you want to expand?
Take down a wall to open it up?
Add new oversized slider doors out to your lanai?
Examine kitchen blueprints online and save layouts you like. Consider if you want to replace your appliances or cabinets. These are costly factors to consider, but if you forgo them, your kitchen may not be as cohesive as it could be.
Mudroom Addition
A mudroom is a great place to store shoes, coats, and backpacks — plus, they function as an informal entry to your home.
Mudrooms are functional spaces with benches, drawers, built-in shelves, lockers, or cubbies, and perhaps a utility sink for easy clean-up!
The cost of a mudroom addition is based on the room’s size, the materials used, and whether you are incorporating custom benches or storage.
Bathroom Addition
A well-done bathroom addition can significantly increase the value of your home. You might want to convert a closet or the area under the stairs into a small bathroom or, if you have the space, add an entire bathroom.
Before proceeding on the project, look for piping. If you have existing water and waste pipes nearby it likely will be easier to complete. But if not, you’ll have to pay to run more pipes.
Ready to add on to your Tampa, FL area home? Call Onsite Construction for a consultation and estimate today, (813) 579-5789!
Home Office Addition
With more people working from home, the value of a home office is exploding. If you require a space with limited distractions to complete your work, you need an office with doors you can shut when you need to focus.
When estimating the cost of adding a home office, consider the size of the room and your fixtures and furniture. In the Tampa area, if we can add a closet so the office doubles as a bedroom, the resale value of your home will increase.
Second-Story Addition
A second-floor addition is building up, not out, which is an ideal solution if your property lines are tight. Adding a second story to your home is a complex task, but it could almost double your home’s square footage.
Garage Addition
Many Tampa Bay-area homes don’t feature a garage, so if you require more storage or a workspace, adding a garage can be a solution — and it’s one that will greatly increase the value of your home!
Whether attached or freestanding, make sure that the garage matches the architecture of your home.
Read On > Planning a Garage Addition?
Transform Your Home with an Addition
You love your community, neighbors, and school district, you just don’t love the lack of space at your home. If your family is expanding or you’re now working from home, a home addition could be a great option. Adding square footage to your home can greatly enhance its appeal, functionality, and resale value.
Start planning the home of your dreams now!
If you are ready to start an addition or whole home renovation, contact Onsite Construction, Tampa’s ‘gut job’ general contractors at (813) 579-5789 for a free consultation & estimate.
