Don’t Overpay for a Room Addition

Dont Over Pay For A Room Addition

 

Many homeowners are interested in adding a room to their home.

Whether it’s a three or four-season porch, outdoor kitchen, or in-law suite, having extra space to enjoy your home is always nice. However, the cost of a room addition can quickly add up and it can be easy to go over budget. Plus, you have to think about the resale value of your home if you plan to sell it in the future. Balancing both sides of this budget can leave many homeowners overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

The home remodels contractors at DM Building have worked on hundreds of home improvement projects and know just how to build the room addition you want, without going over your budget or hurting resale value. Check out our top five tips for keeping your project under budget without sacrificing quality.

1. List Out Your Priorities

List Of Priorites

Make a list of features you’d like in your room addition, and then categorize them into “want to have” and “have to have”. If you find yourself approaching the limits of your budget, consider which features you could cut back on or eliminate. Perhaps you can have a built-in bookshelf instead of a second closet. Or maybe a half-bath will suffice instead of a full bathroom. Determining this beforehand can save you a lot of stress and money later in the project. You can also take the time to pre-plan which pieces of furniture you’d like in the new room, and where they should go. This helps you ensure there’s enough space to move around freely without feeling crowded.

2. Draw Up Your Own Plans

Blue Prints

Give your contractor a head start on your project by drawing up the plans for the room addition yourself. You can find graph paper at most office supply or art supply stores. You’ll also need a pencil and a ruler. Start by drawing a layout of your current home, and then drawing the room addition you’d like. Make a scale for the size of rooms. For example, 4 squares of graph paper for every square foot of your home. Don’t worry about being exact, but get as close as you can. When you meet with a contractor to discuss your plans, you’ll already be ahead of the game.

3. Help Out if You Can

Don'T Overpay For A Room Addition - Image

Each project is different so check with your contractor first. If you can help knock down walls, clean up debris, or paint the new room on your own after it’s complete, you’ll be able to keep a lot of the labor costs to a minimum. Keep in mind, however, that home contractors must work within safety and insurance limitations so you may not be able to help with some of the more involved home remodel tasks.

4. Consider the Materials You’re Using

Building Materials, Lumber

Think about where you purchase materials from. Lumber, plywood, and sheetrock are often available from local recycling centers or Habitat for Humanity groups. Check with your home remodeling contractor to see if this is possible for your project. You can also keep in mind stock sizes when drawing up your plans. Since most plywood is manufactured in 4-foot sections, it’s easier to design a wall that’s four, eight, or 12 feet long, than one that’s 10 feet long. You’d have to purchase an extra piece of plywood just to cut it in half and dispose of the unused portion.

5. Know Who You’re Hiring

Hire A Good General Contractor

When you search your local area for a home remodel contractor, don’t simply pick the company that provides the lowest quote, or the one who did your neighbor’s home remodel. They may not be the most reputable. Double-check a contractor’s testimonials. Read their Google, Facebook, and Angie’s List reviews. Check them out on the Better Business Bureau website and the Department of Consumer Protection. Look for proof of licensing, insurance, and guarantees or warranties they provide on their work.

Ready to Start Your Home Improvement Project?

A home improvement project such as a room addition is a big undertaking but the home contractors at DM Building make the process as easy for you as possible. Please check out some of our previous home improvement projects in our gallery and testimonials from our happy customers. If you have questions, please call us at 760-644-0714 or contact us here. If you’d like to see how we can work together, request an estimate. We look forward to making your home remodel dreams come true!

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