One of the benefits of homeownership is the ability to customize and improve your living space to fit your needs. If your family is growing or if you need a little extra space, you may be thinking about a home addition. An addition can even be a single room built onto the side of a home. Most home additions are bedrooms or bathrooms or serve as an area added on to an existing room. More space in your home can mean more comfort for your family. The key to a successful home addition is careful planning before the first day of demo.

The following steps should be considered when renovating your home:

Learn your building options. Every community is subject to zoning laws. How much or where you can add space to your home depends on zoning. You may be constrained by height restrictions, property lines, historic-district preservation ordinances or other limitations. The Central Washington Home Builders can provide you with more information on how zoning impacts your home.

Examine the location. Will the addition require you to uproot trees or reposition your home garden? What about sunlight? Carefully consider where your home addition will be located. Other items such as septic tanks, power lines or utility poles may need to be moved or modified.

Hire a professional contractor. The most important step is making sure you hire a remodeling professional to avoid contractor fraud. CWHBA can provide you with a list of area remodelers.

Professional remodelers will be able to provide professional references and examples of completed work or work in progress. If you secure a bid for a project significantly lower than others, remember that less expensive does not necessarily mean better!
Complement your current floorplan. Take time to visualize the space and think about the flow of the room. The new area should complement, not compete with, your existing home structure. Attractive home additions seamlessly connect to your home and looks like one single dwelling both inside and out.

Plan Your Living Arrangements During Construction. Home construction can be disruptive or unsafe. Tell your contractor upfront if you plan on living in your home while it is under construction. A professional contractor will provide guidance on how to minimize significant disruptions relating to plumbing or electrical work. If you have small children, most professionals will be willing to remove tools at the end of each work day or place out of reach. A contractor can also erect temporary walls to minimize dust in your primary living areas.

The most important thing to remember if you’re considering a home addition is to keep an open line of communication with your contractor and be flexible. Bad weather or unexpected delays can happen. Through careful research and planning, your next home addition can be hassle free. For more information on home renovations, contact the Central Washington Home Builders Association or visit CWHBA.org.