Renovating and remodeling a home are exciting feats for any homeowner. And this excitement is only ramped up when a renovation includes introducing a whole new addition to your home. But it’s still important to remember that these projects, exciting and fun as they might be, will still require a lot of work, time, and money. There are plenty of reasons why a homeowner might want to get a home addition, whether it’s to upsize without having to move or simply a way to increase the value of your home. Learning some of the most basic dos and don’ts of home additions is a great way to avoid getting lost in the excitement. And ensure you’ll make the most of this enormous home project. 

The dos of home additions

First, let’s discuss some of the biggest dos of this project. Doing these things is a way to ensure two main things. The first is that the project itself will go as smoothly as possible. And the second is that the result will bring you as much value and utility as possible. 

Start with a clear design plan

If you want your home addition project to go over as smoothly as possible, you’ll have to develop a straightforward design and fairly detailed plan before working on anything else. In most cases, you won’t be able to get any of the necessary permits. Or even hire a contractor without a set design. Your best option is to jot down some of your ideas and pass them on to a professional designer, architect, or design/build contractor who can properly bring them to life. During that time, you could set aside a few hours to come up with a solid plan and timeline for your project. Doing these things will allow you to explore all your options. Furthermore, it will help you avoid potential mistakes. And get a clear idea of what your project will entail financially. 

Increase kitchen size

This tip must be discussed whenever you’re thinking about the dos and don’ts of home additions. It can do so much for the value of your home in the long term. Increasing your kitchen’s size is a surefire way to increase your home’s value. However, it’s crucial to make sure that any kitchen addition you undertake meets your current needs while also being able to accommodate the needs of future buyers. To achieve this, prioritize functionality and maintain a neutral aesthetic to ensure the space remains practical and appealing to a broad audience.

Add bathrooms

Adding more bathrooms to your home is another effective way to increase its value. A bathroom addition is almost always a sound investment, like a kitchen increase. Adding extra bathrooms not only increases value but also enhances the overall functionality of your home. However, consulting a professional remodeler before embarking on a bathroom addition project is important. The professional can help you ensure that the location and design of the new bathroom fit well with your home’s existing layout. A well-planned and executed bathroom addition project can provide a substantial return on investment while improving your quality of life.

The don’ts of home additions

Now that we have discussed some of the most important dos regarding home additions, let’s move on to learning about a few things you should avoid doing any time you’re taking on a project as big as this one.

Forget to account for potential issues

When undertaking a home addition project, it is crucial to prepare for unexpected challenges that may arise. Despite meticulous planning, there is always a risk that the project may not go as planned due to unforeseen circumstances. That’s why it is essential to allow for possible delays in the schedule and additional costs that were not anticipated. Setting aside an emergency fund of 10-15% of the total project cost and keeping a flexible deadline is advisable. This will provide a buffer to account for any unforeseen expenses or delays during the project.

Additionally, if you anticipate specific issues that may come up, you’ll also be able to take the necessary steps to prevent them. For example, if you think some of your possessions are liable to get damaged during the project, you can rent out a short-term storage unit where you’ll be able to keep your possessions safe while construction is being done.

Overbuild

Making additions to your home is generally a worthwhile investment. It can increase its value, especially if you follow along with all of the necessary dos and don’ts of home additions discussed in this article. However, it’s essential to consider how the addition may affect your lot size. Adding to your home can significantly increase your home’s aesthetic appeal and value. However, building to the edge of your property line will limit outdoor space and prevent you from creating something like a patio or garden later on.

Additionally, your homeowner’s association may have regulations regarding how much you can build on your lot. It’s crucial to be aware of these before starting your project. Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about the best way to proceed with your home addition project without compromising your lot size or violating any regulations.

Be stubborn

Finally, when working on a home addition project, you must avoid being stubborn. A huge and financially taxing project like this requires a high degree of flexibility. We’ve already discussed the importance of a solid plan and timeline for your home addition, but in most cases, you’ll have to be open to deviating from this plan at least a little.

Final thoughts

Most people turn to home additions once they are financially stable enough to use them as a solution to their home feeling cramped or generally too small. But no amount of financial stability can justify making some of these common mistakes. Or doing an addition that won’t bring any value to your home. As long as you follow some of these basic dos and don’ts of home additions, you will get the most out of your addition. Both in terms of property value/ROI and your home’s utility/aesthetic value.