Ritco Group, Inc.

Moving is not your only option if you need more space at home for your growing family. Many people are investing in additions to improve the functionality, appeal and convenience of their houses. A room addition can be a new bedroom, garage, deck, pool or even bathroom. With proper planning and working with the right professionals, you can make the most of your investment. 

Here are helpful tips on planning and building home additions.

Formulate a Plan

No matter what kind of addition you are planning to build, you must always consider your property lines. You want to make sure that the room you are adding is still within your property boundaries. It may also help to check local codes in your area about regulations on building next to another person’s property. 

Also, see if any construction will affect your utility lines and pipes when planning your addition. Be sure that the structural changes you have in mind are suitable for the framing and foundation of your house. When designing a new bedroom or bathroom, always consider how these spaces will affect your home’s value and exterior. Have a professional, such as a builder, architect or new construction expert, draw up detailed plans for your project. It should state all the work to be done and the necessary materials. 

During the planning process, it would help to create a list of features you want to include in your room addition. This list should have alternative options in case you encounter issues with availability, budget and other external factors later in your project. Having a backup plan can prevent delays, and cost-effective alternatives will help you stick to your budget. 

Create a Realistic and Clear Budget

You can get an idea about the cost of your project by obtaining multiple quotes from at least three different contractors. It would also help you determine which company can execute your project best. Keep in mind that estimates should not vary that much. Be wary of bids that are too good to be true or extremely low. It could be a scam, or the contractor does not fully comprehend the scope of the work. 

Experts recommend adding between 15% to 20% to your estimated project cost for unexpected expenses. If the estimates you got are beyond your budget, don’t worry because you can always go for alternative materials. There are a lot of cost-effective options today that do not compromise appeal and durability. You may also review your plans and consider completing costlier additions in the future when you already have the budget for them.

Moreover, your contractor might be able to help you find better options for your needs and budget. For instance, instead of granite counters, you can go with laminate, which is also attractive but more cost-effective. At Ritco Group, Inc., you can count on us to assist you in making the best decisions for your construction and remodeling projects. 

Know Which Permits Are Necessary for Your Project

Besides formulating a plan, setting a budget and finding a contractor, you also need to make sure you have the necessary permits to build your project. Make sure that your house is zoned for the home addition you are planning. Whether you need permits or not depends on the scale and scope of your project. Doing your research and knowing more about your local codes will help you avoid disruptions during the construction project. Obtaining permits in advance will save you time, money and effort. 

Work With Reliable Professionals

When it comes to construction projects, remodeling and other home improvements, it always pays to invest in experienced professionals. Once you have obtained estimates and have a list of potential contractors, you should start your research. You may be able to get more details about your potential remodelers from Angi (formerly Angie’s List), LinkedIn and the Better Business Bureau. 

It’s also a good idea to browse their websites and look for photos of their previous projects. Do look for customer reviews, check credentials, and ask for references. See if the contractors have complaints, what they did to resolve them and how prompt they fixed the issue. When deciding which contractor to hire, do not only consider the price of bids, but also their experience and the quality of the products they are offering. 

Moreover, only work with local roofing companies and remodeling contractors with proper licensing, bonding and insurance. With a properly documented company, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you will be protected if something wrong happens during your project. For instance, if your property accidentally gets damaged or a worker experiences injuries during the project, the cost will be covered by your contractor’s insurance. 

Set a Realistic Timeline With Your Contractor

Let your contractor know if you have a preferred start and end date for your project. Discuss how long each step of your project will take and which part would need to be done first. You’ll also need to determine which steps you can accomplish at the same time. When creating your timeline, take note of how long the shipping and delivery of the materials will take. Dedicate time for preparing the jobsite, and do expect the construction to last for a few more days just in case you come across unexpected delays. 

Make Sure You Have a Written, Detailed Contract

Before the actual construction begins, make sure you have a written and signed contract. The document should explain your project in detail and include the start and expected completion date. It should indicate what work will and will not be done. Further, having a detailed contract avoids miscommunication between you and your contractor. It also ensures all parties are on the same page before the project starts. 

For your home remodeling and room addition needs, you can always rely on Ritco Group, Inc. We are one of the area’s leading local roofing companies. Give us call at (931) 381-0175, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We work with clients in Murfreesboro and Brentwood, TN.