Oftentimes when people think of building an addition, or remodeling, they assume that for a valuable difference to be made, a huge addition is required. And, depending on the specific goals you have and the objectives you need your new space to accomplish, a big change might just be in order.
On the other hand, you also could be surprised by how much of a transformation can be made possible by even a relatively small, but well-planned, project.
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Now that summer is here, it is the perfect time for you to start planning and executing your home remodeling projects. There are so many ways you can improve upon the structure and appearance of your home. If you take some time to assess your home’s condition, you may find that there are some things that need to be addressed from the winter. No matter what projects you ultimately decide to start, make sure you do your homework so that you hire the best and most qualified professionals for the job.
While you may be all too eager to get started with your home remodeling projects, you need to realize that if you are on a budget, you need to be careful. Things can quickly become expensive if you don’t select the right contractor that will do the job right the first time around. In fact, instead of rushing to get things done, start doing some research on what needs to be done. Even if you plan on hiring professionals, it doesn’t hurt for you to learn about the different materials that can be used. Keep in mind that you should not sacrifice any professionals’ credentials and experience in hopes of saving money. When it comes to your home, you need to remember that it is an investment and you don’t want anyone who is not properly qualified or licensed to work on it.
If you are going to use contractors for your home remodeling projects, keep in mind that even though you aren’t doing any of the construction, you still have control over what is done. Don’t hire anyone that makes you feel intimidated or uneasy. You need to hire professionals that are open to communication and respect what you say. They will make sure that you are included every step of the way towards your project’s completion. They will respect your wishes and any preferences you have. If you have any questions or concerns, you should be able to present them and the contractors should respond and resolve any issues you may have.
Before any work can begin on your property, you and your contractors need to come to a legal agreement about the work that is going to be performed. This agreement needs to be drawn up in the form of a contract. Everything pertaining to your home remodeling project needs to be included. Payment schedules, fees agreed upon, who is responsible for purchasing supplies, how much you are going to be charged for supplies and when your project is expected to be completed are some of the things that need to be included in your contract. Once you have worked out the details of the contract and it meets everyone’s approval, all involved parties can sign it so work on your project can begin.
If you are considering a home addition, you may still be wondering what to do with the extra space. Most houses have a place that makes sense to add additional space in, but what is the best way to use it? Consider using the space for an extra bedroom, workspace or even storage.
Bedroom/Bathroom Combination
If the kids are getting older and need an extra area to call their own, it may be time for a home addition. With extra bedrooms, siblings that have had to share in the past can be separated. Also, if there is no room for guests or company to stay, creating an extra room makes visits easier to manage, especially if the stay is long term.
Another idea involves giving an older child a little more freedom. Construction can provide them not only with some privacy and a place to call their own, but a separate way in and out of the house, giving them a more independent feel. Sometimes called a mother-in-law suite, it may include a private bath and even a small kitchen space. College students can use this as their very own dorm that attaches to mom and dad, just in case they need food or money.
When making this decision, it is important to look at the big picture. Will this become a space for an elderly relative that needs care later in life? As you build, consider what else you will want from the room in the next several years and plan accordingly.
Extra Storage
Everyone accumulates “stuff” and you may be looking for somewhere to store it. Home additions can be the perfect place to keep holiday decorations, keepsakes, and even seasonal clothing. When building, be sure that you can use every inch available and keep in mind any type of storage containers or shelves that you are planning to place in the room.
Remember that you want to be able to find everything when you need it. Use labels to clearly mark what is inside of each container. Also, group like items together so that they are easier to find. This should free up some other space in the house for you to use in a completely new way.
Workshop/Office
Working away from the office can be a difficult task if there is no place separated from everyone else in the family. You may need to be able to shut the door and seclude yourself to allow focus on a main task. In this case, home additions would be able to help. As you are working through the designs, consider how important it may be to have a door that can close and let other family members know that you are unavailable.
If you want a workshop or hobbies space, your needs may be completely different. Think about where you will store all of the tools you need. What type of flooring will work best for the materials you use? Do you need space to house completed works as well as those in progress? Be sure to consider exactly how you are going to use the workshop so you get the maximum benefit.
