Pros and Cons of a Home Addition

Building an addition to your home can be both an exciting and harrowing process.

If you are considering a home addition, here are some pros and cons that you should be aware of before you start.

Pros of a Home Addition

Your Own Design

When building an addition, you can design it specifically to your needs. A home addition is a custom-tailored solution to an issue with your current home. Perhaps you need more kitchen space, more storage, or maybe an in-law suite. Whatever your needs, with an addition you get exactly what you want.

Increase the Value of Your Home

When done correctly, a home addition can be a financial investment that increases the value of a home. Adding square footage to your home like an extra bedroom or bigger kitchen will make your home more attractive to buyers. However, be sure not to over-improve beyond the average value of your neighborhood. Hire the best contractor you can afford to ensure the new space is sturdily-built and well-designed.

No Stressful Move

Perhaps you have one or two issues with your house, but otherwise you love your home, your neighborhood, and your current life, and you don’t want the stress of uprooting everything for you and your family. If this sounds like you, it’s probably better to consider building an addition rather than moving!

Save Money

Depending on the scope and budget of your home addition project, it could be cheaper than buying a new home.

Cons of a Home Addition

Cost

Home additions are an investment. Depending on the project, you can expect to pay at least $30k-80k and possibly more. You can often make some of this money back when you sell, but it is not guaranteed, a real estate values are always fluctuating. You should also be wary of over-improving your home beyond that of the average house in your neighborhood, as this can actually devalue your house or make it a tough sell.

Let’s not forget unforeseen additions to the budget that inevitably arise. Projects on your home could uncover previously unknown issues that are costly to fix and delay the process.

Stress

Building a home addition can come with a lot of stress. You have to share your home with a building crew for weeks or months. Sometimes you might even lose access to an important room (such as a kitchen) while construction is underway. Alternatively, you can choose to live off site at a hotel or with family, but this too can be costly and stressful.

Making sure you hire a reputable, professional contractor is an important step in alleviating some of this headache.

Loss of Yard Space

Unless you’re building an addition on top of your current home, you will inevitably lose some yard space. This could be a downside for your family, and is something you will need to take into consideration.

Conclusion

A home addition is a huge decision and likely one of the costliest a homeowner will ever make. Before beginning a renovation, the pros and cons of such a project should be carefully considered.

Questions? Contact Us

June 7, 2021 0

What to Look for in a Professional Remodeler

May is NAHB’s National Home Remodelers Month, and the past year has been a busy one when it comes to remodeling!

With so much time spent at home these days, chances are, you are thinking of making changes to your home. Perhaps you’re thinking of pulling out your toolkit and DIYing it.

However, large remodeling projects usually call for an expert. Here’s how you can find the right contractor for your home project!

Why You Should Hire a Professional

Property Value

Remember that your house is a valuable asset. All upgrades need to be of professional quality to increase the value of your property.

Safety

A professional contractor knows how to bring your remodeling dreams to life in a way that is safely constructed and up to code. As a trained expert, a remodeler has a firm grasp of the requirements to meet city ordinances, regulations, and permits.

Expertise

You are not just hiring a professional remodeler for their labor; you are hiring them for their expertise. Through years in the industry, they know where to get the best prices on labor and materials, and how to design the best solutions for your needs and your budget.

How to Find a Professional Remodeler

Search for Remodelers in Your Area

The National Association of Home Builders has a Directory of Professional Remodelers that you can search to find professional remodelers in your area. Search the internet or social media for remodelers in your area and pay attention to reviews from previous customers. You can also reach out to friends in your community to see who they recommend.

Reach Out for Quotes

Contact a few of your top picks to discuss your project and your budget. A professional remodeler can provide you with work samples to prove their expertise, and a detailed proposal on how they will achieve your vision within your budget. Do not immediately go for the lowest price offered. A price that seems too good to be true can mean poor quality work or a lack of professionalism.

Check Their Credentials

Do some background research on your potential remodelers to make sure they are running a legitimate business. They should have the proper licenses to conduct their work, and general liability insurance in case of accidents on the jobsite. It is also great if they are part of a trade association. A remodeler who meets all these criteria should be reliable and knowledgeable about all the newest industry trends and legal requirements.

Are you interested in learning more about the remodeling process?

May 24, 2021 2

National Home Remodelers Month

April was New Homes Month, but now that we have entered May, remodelers are in the spotlight.

May is NAHB’s National Home Remodelers Month, and with a resurgence of remodeling activity in 2021, now is a great time to highlight what is happening in the remodeling industry.

Full Recovery

After a slow down in remodeling projects last year, remodelers’ businesses have picked back up to full speed.

“The remodeling market took a hit last year at the start of the pandemic, but it’s completely turned around now,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Steve Cunningham, a remodeler from Williamsburg, Va. “Now, remodelers are facing intense backlog on projects due to supply chain delays, continued labor shortages and an abundance of project leads.”

NAHB’s Remodeling Survey

A recent survey conducted by NAHB revealed what type of projects homeowners are requesting from remodelers. Here is what the survey found:

Most Common Consumer Motivation for Remodeling:

Better amenities
Need to repair or replace older components
Desire or need for more space

Most Common Remodeling Projects:

Bathrooms – 74% of remodeling projects involved bathrooms.
Kitchens – 67% of remodeling projects involved kitchens.

Bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects have been in high demand for several years, but this year, even more homeowners are reaching out for remodeling projects.

“As home prices and interest rates rise, many would-be home buyers are instead opting to stay put and make improvements to their current homes.”
NAHB

Are you planning on making any renovations to your home this year? Let us know!

May 10, 2021 1

Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

Even if you don’t consider yourself a handyman, having tools at your disposal will help you in a pinch. Whether you need to hang new photos, make minor repairs, or are tackling a DIY project, proper tools will help get the job done.

Keep reading for a list of essential tools every homeowner needs.

Measuring Tape

When you are buying new furniture, remodeling a room, or taking on a DIY task, a measuring tape is necessary. Select an easy-locking ¾-inch model at least 25 feet in length for use at home.

Hammer

A claw hammer is one of the most basic tools because almost every project you take on will require one, from nailing things in place to minor demolition. Choose a hammer that is well-balanced with a comfortable grip.

Level

Anything you install – from cabinets to shelving to wall art – requires a level. Laser levels make it very easy to be precise, but low-tech levels with floating bubbles are also accurate.

Screwdrivers and Screws

Make sure you have a screwdriver set with a variety of flathead and Phillips head sizes for any project you may need to complete. Of course, you’ll need various sized screws as well.

Pliers

Vise-grip pliers lock in place, making them a versatile tool for many different uses. Needle nose pliers are essential for electrical work or when you need to reach a tight spot.

Wrenches

Wrenches are often needed for putting together furniture. An adjustable crescent wrench has jaws that can tighten and loosen, making it great for a basic toolset. You can also invest in a wrench set, with wrenches in a variety of sizes.

Utility Knife and Wire Cutter

A utility knife, or box cutter, can make precision cuts quickly and easily. Wire cutters are needed for electrical repairs and many craft projects. Both should be in your toolbox.

Stud Finder

A handheld stud finder finds nails and screws in the wall, making it easy to find a stud when hanging photos or mounting a TV.

Carpenter’s Square

A carpenter’s square, also called a combination square, is used in various woodworking, metalworking, and masonry projects. This tool helps you find 45 and 90-degree angles.

Sander

A sander helps to create smooth surfaces for sealing or painting. Handheld sanders are great for many DIY projects and smaller jobs around the house.

Cordless Drill and Drill Bits

A cordless drill can drill holes in sheetrock, which can aid in hanging curtains, artwork, and mounting items on the wall. Invest in a good set of drill bits to get the most out of your cordless drill.

C-Clamps

C-clamps come in handy for many projects. Clamps hold two materials together in place, making it easier to glue or nail them together.

When buying tools, think about what you will use the most. Buying tools individually, rather than a complete toolkit, can ensure you only get what you need. Keep your tools well-organized so that when the need arises, you know where to find what you are looking for.

January 12, 2021 0