Room Additions
When planning room additions to your existing
property, what are some of the key factors to be aware of in the planning,
design, and construction stages of such a renovation? Are there any specific
guidelines to follow when choosing a renovation company to carry out the
project? Room additions to an existing property need not be a complicated
matter when you choose the right renovation design company that can expertly and
professionally guide the homeowner through the various stages of the project
from early design to completion.
Common Room Additions
The most common type of room additions are
generally extensions to existing structures which are usually private dwellings;
these include bathrooms, kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, sunrooms, etc. Room
additions can also refer to renovations such as the conversion of a bungalow
into a two-storey building or converting basements or attics into apartments.
Room additions will require permits from your local municipality and therefore
an architect will be needed to examine your plans. When you are planning your
project with a trusted renovation contractor, a custom design-build is always
recommended.
Custom Design-Builds
Any experienced and professional renovation
contractor that specializes in room additions will attest that the best course
of action when planning a room extension is to have it custom designed and
built to the specifications of the homeowner. Custom design projects allow the
renovation contractor to carefully and expertly guide the homeowner through the
process while adapting to their budgets and any possible problems that may
arise due to permits in the planning stages or structural issues during the
build. When working in tandem with qualified and experienced architects and contractors,
a thoughtful, clear, and well-planned design can breathe new life into the
oldest or most weathered of properties. Here are some things to remember to do when
working on a custom design project:
- Plan
- Contract
- Communicate
Plan your project with your design-build firm. Together, you will need to determine items like the following:
- Project duration,
- main inconveniences to yourself and your family,
- possible impediments to the project,
- any additional work from other qualified professionals such as architects, engineers or heating contractors,
- required permits for your project,
- price, and;
- payment plans.
A written contract specifying all the planned details of your project is a great idea. Should there be any alterations to the original plan, make sure to request a revised copy of the contract so that everyone is on the same page and the expectations are clearly written out.
Make sure to keep in regular
contact with your design-build firm. This will ensure that your project is proceeding according to plan. Regular communication with your renovation contractor means avoiding surprises and being kept fully abreast of any additions or changes to the project.
Planning, getting a written contract and regular communication means a project completed efficiently and to your satisfaction.