Adding New Rooms to Your Home

Converting Existing Space Conversions are perhaps the easiest, most budget-friendly option. Converting a spare room into another type of room, for instance, can just involve adding the right furniture. When you need to add new plumbing or electrical wiring, however, you’ll want to hire a contractor for help. Converting a garage is one way to create a whole new space in your home without actually adding to the building structure. It’s cost efficient, and with the right preparations it can be made to look natural. Garages connected to the house have the benefit of electrical connections and proximity to plumbing. If you are considering converting a garage, ask your contractor about potential costs, building code issues, and ask your real estate agent how this conversion will affect the value of your home. Enclosed patios, sun rooms, and porches can also be converted into additional rooms. As with garage conversions, this can save on construction costs. It also helps you visualize what the final room will look like from the outside, since adding an entirely new room means modifying the exterior of your home. Adding New Rooms Adding a new room to your house, though, is sometimes just what you need. In general, additional rooms will also add value to your home, as long as they are done properly and don’t look out of place in your neighborhood. Contact your contractor for an estimate, and discuss your plans with a real estate agent to determine the potential impact on your home’s equity. These additions can be very rewarding, but also more challenging in terms of budget and logistics. They can involve tearing down a wall or adding a new door, and usually involves extending the roof, flooring, and walls. Utilities, framing components, exterior components, and interior construction materials — from drywall to insulation — will have to be added as well. Basic Steps 1. Rough Out a Design – Once you’ve got your idea, whether it’s a converted garage or a completely new room, you’ll want to sketch out your ideas. Get as much detail as you can regarding the dimensions and materials. Ask and answer questions about electricity, plumbing, insulation, roofing, and so forth. https://www.gbgeneralcontrs.com/adding-new-rooms-to-your-home/The more detail you can give your contractor, the better. 2. Contact a Contractor – With the information you provide, your contractor should be able to evaluate your design ideas and provide a realistic estimate for your project. The contractor will provide you with a contract detailing what work is to be done and at what price. 3. Obtain Permits – The contractor can give you information about what permits you may need – if any – for your renovation project. You won’t be able to begin the project without them. 4. Construction and Review – Your contractor does the work. Once the work is finished, contact a professional home inspector to ensure that your additional space is in compliance with building codes. After the “A-OK” from the inspector, you’re free to decorate!]]>