10 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Home Addition Project
If you’re planning a home addition project, you already know that preparation is key. Home additions are a major construction project, after all. You can’t just start working without a plan.
What you might not know is how prepared you should be. How much do you need to know about construction materials before you begin? What about working with contractors?
That’s where this blog comes in. We’ve got 10 questions to ask before home addition projects begin. Once you’ve answered these, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to start your project.
1. Can you afford the home addition?
This is the most important question you can ask. You need to know whether or not you can fund your home addition project. This will save you a lot of time, money and stress. Among the costs you need to consider are:
Design fees
Permits
Materials
Labor costs
Above all, make sure you include a buffer in your budget. Construction projects are known for being more expensive than planned, and by building a buffer of about 15% into your project budget, the more prepared you’ll be.
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Research average costs for home additions in Minnesota so set realistic financial expectations.
2. Do you have a clear idea of what you want in a home addition?
It’s not enough to want a home addition because you “need more space.” Make sure you have a clear vision of how you’ll use your home addition. Will you use it for extra living space, functionality or entertainment?
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Get inspiration from magazines, online galleries and projects completed by AOS Home Solutions.
3. When do you need the project completed?
One important detail of home addition preparation is determining when the project must be completed. This is especially important in a state like Minnesota, where weather can slow down or stop outdoor work.
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Build flexibility into your product schedule to account for inclement weather and delivery delays.
4. Does your contractor handle permits?
An essential part of home addition preparation is navigating the local building codes and obtaining the necessary permits. Make sure your contractor can take care of all the necessary permits for your project to reduce the risk of project delays and fines.
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Minnesota regulations vary by city and county. Make sure your contractor knows the local laws.
5. How experienced is your contractor with similar projects?
An inexperienced contractor can derail your project. Make sure the contractor you select has experience with home additions. Ask for references, photos of their previous work and details about their expertise with home additions.
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Make sure your contractors are familiar with Minnesota’s climate. They can ensure all materials and construction techniques are optimized to withstand the weather.
6. What materials best suit your goals?
The materials you use for your home addition project will affect the durability, aesthetics and cost of your project. Talk with your contractor to choose materials that align with your vision and budget.
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Choose materials that balance durability with practicality and aesthetics.
7. Where is the best place to add an addition to your home?
Consider where your home has room to grow. Also, think about how your addition will flow into your existing space. This will determine how much space you have for your addition, not to mention its shape.
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Make sure your addition is feasible for your property.
8. Can this addition improve your home’s efficiency?
A home addition is an excellent time to make your home more efficient. You can reduce energy costs and increase comfort with features like:
Energy-efficient windows
Improved HVAC systems
Solar panels
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Look for ENERGY STAR-certified items to guarantee you’re getting energy-efficient features.
9. Does the home addition add long-term value?
While your home addition should satisfy your present needs, it should also increase your home’s value and functionality in the future. Consider the following features:
Flexible layouts
Multi-purpose spaces
Aging-in-place designs
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: A home with functional additions often have a higher ROI when sold.
10. How often will you receive updates?
In order to make sure your project stays on track, you need to make sure to communicate with your contractor. Among the items you should discuss are:
How often you’ll receive updates
Who will be your point of contact
How they’ll address potential issues
AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Make sure that all updates include photos and milestone reports.
Take the uncertainty out of your home addition project with AOS
Before starting your home addition project, you need to have all the relevant information. Make sure you know how much the project will cost and what experience your contractor has with these types of home additions. You also need to have a clear idea of why you’re building this addition, the materials you’ll use and how often the contractor will update you on their progress.
If you need help planning out your home addition, contact AOS Home Solutions today. We offer quality craftsmanship, years of experience and a commitment to making your vision a reality. Talk to our team to schedule a consultation and get started turning your home into the space of your dreams.
