Despite a downturn in home sales, real estate prices in Delaware are still 6% higher than they were last year at this time. In light of these ongoing housing price increases, many homeowners are opting to stay put instead of investing in a new home right now.
For those with growing families, this can mean a shortage of space before too long. If you find yourself feeling increasingly claustrophobic in your home, it’s time to consider a home addition to create more space.
Keep reading for some pointers on how to start planning this type of home renovation.
Set a Budget for Your Home Addition
New construction and home renovation projects always run over budget. So, when you’re figuring out how much to spend, it’s important to set aside at least 20% of the total cost for unforeseen expenses.
If you don’t, you’re likely to end up with an unfinished home addition despite your best-laid plans.
Your budget affects every aspect of constructing an extra room or ADU. It determines the materials you use, the fittings you choose, and which professionals you hire.
Despite these obvious costs, you’ll also need to pay for the following:
- Permit costs
- Architectural services
- Engineering services
- Dumpster hire
It’s vital to make provisions for collecting and removing construction debris responsibly during a building project in Delaware.
The easiest and most affordable way to take care of this aspect is by hiring a dumpster in New Castle, Newark, or Wilmington, DE.
Plan Your Home Remodel Carefully
When deciding on a design for your home remodel, there are two major things to think about. These are:
The Reason for the Addition
Adding an addition to your home involves considerable time and expense, so think about it long and hard before you start.
Consider whether your desired addition is really necessary and whether it will add value to your home. Will it appeal to future buyers?
Think about how the extra space will solve a functionality problem, or whether there’s a cheaper way to get around this issue. In some cases, some extra storage space might solve the issue.
Your architect and building contractor can offer valuable input at this stage. They can help you decide whether you should build an additional room or revamp an existing space to suit your needs.
For instance, it might be a better idea to convert an existing small room into a study and then add an extra bedroom to your house, instead of building a new room for your study. An additional bedroom will add more value to your home than a study will.
Functionality in Design
These professionals, along with a designer, can also make sure you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to building an addition.
Choosing the right layout, flooring, paint, and fixtures will maximize the value-adding benefits of your project. These aspects will also ensure the new room fits your lifestyle and meets your needs most effectively.
Clever, space-saving designs can save you money at every step of the process.
It’s important to keep the exterior appearance of your home in mind, too. You don’t want the new portion of your home to look like it belongs to a different house.
Continuity is key to preserving your home’s curb appeal.
Arrange Permitting for Your Home Addition
If you plan to expand your house in New Castle, Wilmington, or Newark, DE, you may need a building permit before you commence the home-building process.
Make sure you’re aware of any building restrictions or guidelines so you can include them at the design stage. Your architect and contractor can advise on these aspects.
Homeowners who don’t arrange this paperwork in advance can face severe fines. Those who try to get away with unpermitted alterations may have to tear down their newly built structure if caught.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with all the relevant regulations for New Castle County before you start your project.
Consider Your Neighbors
You must keep your property boundaries in mind when adding a room to your home. You’ll also have to keep utility poles, trees, power lines, and other obstacles in mind when planning your construction.
In New Castle, DE, you may only build within 120 feet of all street and property lines. This means you might only have enough space to extend your home upwards, or on one side of the building.
All construction work is disruptive, noisy, and dusty, so it’s good manners to inform your neighbors about your plans. Your build could disrupt their lives, too.
Advise them of your project’s timeline and keep them informed on the progress. Clear communication helps them minimize inconvenience and maintains good neighborly relations.
Hiring a Contractor
You can hire a contractor at any stage of the planning process, but it helps to have them onboard as soon as possible. These experts can offer invaluable advice at every stage of your project.
Be sure to compare contractors before you hire one. You must work with a licensed and insured contractor, compare prices, and check their references before hiring anyone.
An experienced contractor may cost a little more, but they’ll save you money in many other ways.
These old hands know where to source good quality materials at the best price, they can assist you with permitting, and they’re likely to guarantee their workmanship.
Start Planning Your Home Upgrade Now
Constructing a new home addition can be an exciting project for homeowners wanting to increase the value and functionality of their homes. It can quickly degrade into a costly, messy, and frustrating experience, too.
Careful planning and preparation will ensure your home upgrades proceed smoothly and end the way you envisioned.
Get in touch to arrange an affordable dumpster rental in New Castle County, DE, so you can cross one item off your to-do list.