There are many people who might be interested in home additions. After all, a lot of the time, people do not necessarily get to design their dream homes before they move into them. Sometimes, you have to move into a home that has been planned and designed by someone else long before you ever entered the picture. In these situations, the home that you moved into a might be lacking an addition that you really would have liked. If you have the money, an addition might be a very good idea.
If you do not know a lot about home additions but are interested in this process for your own home, you might have many questions. For example, you might wonder, what exactly is involved in house addition construction? How do I find the best and most affordable house extension contractors in my area? How do I add on to my house? How much can I extend my house? Most of the time, if you have questions like this, you can ask an architect or someone else who knows a lot about the construction of home additions. These individuals will likely be able to give you some valuable insights on this topic.
As much as homeowners love their homes, there are times when they need to begin large home remodeling projects. Some invite their in-laws, parents, or grandparents to live with them. If they do not have the space in their traditional home, renovation needs to occur to create extra space. In actuality, many homes do not have the space for additional people. In fact, 85% of the homes in America were built prior to 1980, and they need home improvement. Therefore, it’s understandable that an add-on will be required. If you’re a homeowner who is planning, or beginning, addition renovation, here is what you should consider.
Addition Renovation
To begin any addition renovation is actually considered a complete remodeling, not simply a home addition. It’s essentially a whole house renovation. Keep this in mind when you’re going through the process or considering the process.
With addition renovation, you’re changing, or shifting the structure of the home. What are referred to as “mother-in-law suites” or “parent/grandparent suites” are becoming more common in various houses around the United States. It’s no simple fix, however. You cannot simply take a completely different building or room, and stick it on the side of your house. If you’re adding a master bedroom suite, or a bedroom with a small kitchen and bath, you’ll have to make moderate changes to your home so there’s access to the room. Additionally, you need to connect the structure and the utilities to your home. It may sound complicated, but there are plenty of professional renovators that can get the job done!
What To Consider: Addition Renovation
There are certain things you should consider before, or while, adding on to your home:
Access: It’s extremely important to discuss the home remodeling with in-laws, parents, grandparents, or guests that will be staying there for a significant amount of time. In fact, it is very important to discuss the remodeling features with those who may be of older age. Your older in-laws, parents, or grandparents may have trouble seeing in dim light, walking long distances, or reaching high shelves/down too low. Consider what would make their suite the easiest for them. Easy access would provide them with a comfortable living space.
Universal design is important if you’re moving older adults into an add-on suite. The universal design consists of wide doors and raised cabinets that can accommodate walkers and wheelchairs; lipless shower stalls that eliminate tripping hazards; walls reinforced with plywood that can anchor grab bars; and lever door handles that are easier for older hands to grab (especially if they have arthritis).
Options For In-Law Suites: When you think of an in-law suite, your mind may possibly go directly toward an add-on to the side of your home. However, there are addition renovations that do not require a separate structure connected to your home. First, there’s garage conversion. Garage conversion is a home remodel, although it does not sound like it by name. Yes, garages are separate rooms in their own right. They have drywall and electricity. But, they are missing certain aspects that will make this a home.
First, a garage needs heating or air conditioning, enough insulation, the proper number of wall outlets to meet residential building codes, and plumbing. So, this a complete remodel. As a homeowner you’ll have to install wiring to meet residential building codes for kitchen equipment and wall outlets; plumb a kitchen and bathroom; and condition the space with heating and air conditioning- just to name a few. However, this is an option for your in-laws!
Another option for in-laws is basement conversion. This is if you desire an easier remodeling process. It’s even easier if your basement is finished. You can possibly divide a large space into a bedroom or a mini living room/sitting room. You can add a kitchen to the downstairs area, that can tap into the pipes and drains already installed. For basements that are unfinished, the process isn’t as simple. Of course, the room and space is still there. But, you may have to add some things, such as sump pumps or drains to guard against flooding, and dehumidifiers to prevent mold-to name a few.