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San Diego real estate library
Things to Consider When Pondering a Home Addition
When taking the plunge to do a kitchen remodel that includes a
room addition be sure to take some time to understand how the
remodeling process and addition work. Before you even shop for
cabinets or flooring do your homework. This will help immensely
to ensure the project runs smoothly. When planning a room
addition, spending time looking at all your options and deciding
what choices to make is critical.
For instance: where are you planning to situate the room
addition? How large should the addition be? Deciding how large
is an important issue in keeping within the guidelines of your
budget and any zoning restrictions or codes. How do you want the
lay out to be? Do you want to lose you 100 year old oak tree or
tear up your deck These are all things to consider before you
start you addition. Choosing the right contractor is the number
one thing and his expertise should be in the area of the design
you want to incorporate into your existing home. Contractors do
not all have experience with building foundations, blending your
1800's home with new construction and other issues that are sure
to come up. In room additions it is well worth your money to get
an architect involved. The architect is responsible for
preparing floor plan layouts, understanding zoning issues,
kitchen design goals and other issues. Often, but not always,
contractors have their own architect on staff but it might be
wise to just go ahead and hire your own.
Be sure to look for contractors that are accustomed to your
house's style and age. This is particularly important if you are
dealing with an old or historical home. Make sure he has worked
on projects in your area and is familiar with local zoning
codes, is licensed and insured. Be sure to get the all important
referrals and follow up with checking them out.
Keep focus on your fundamental desire and do not be sidetracked
by other peoples' suggestions for your home. Remember the
original reason you are doing the addition, how you will use the
space and what the top five priorities are. Always get estimates
and list of cost on everything you are planning on doing so
there will not be any surprises. Your beautiful vision will
become a nightmare if you run out of cash mid stream. keep
everything on track with good timing which is one of the
responsibility's of your contractor. Never rush anything in your
excitement to get things rolling.
Listen to your gut feeling and if you do not feel right about
something stop and give yourself some time to think about it.
You will be glad in the long run with no "I wished I had
listened to my gut!" Knowing why you are remodeling makes all
the difference in how you spend your money. If you are just
flipping a house you might not have as detailed ceiling fans,
light switches, etc. or top quality appliances. If this is to be
your life time home be sure to buy good quality that you really
want and will be proud of.
This is a big step and should be fun and full of excitement and
not something to be dreaded. Just take one step at a time and
fulfill your vision your way with the images of many happy years
in your home.
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