| If you are planning to add more rooms to your home, | | | | With the plans in hand you should begin interviewing |
| there are a range of ideas and plans. By following | | | | professionals. Check with your local government on |
| some simple steps, one can not only reduce the | | | | licensing and bonding requirements in your area. It's |
| overall cost, but it will prove wildly successful in | | | | imperative to have a licensed, bonded and insured |
| increasing the value of your home. In most areas, | | | | contractors on your job site. Without proper |
| adding square footage can significantly increase a | | | | documentation and insurance, a simple fall on your |
| home's value if done correctly. | | | | property could result in costly lawsuits that the home |
| Many are not familiar with the different methods of | | | | owner may be liable for. |
| construction, permitting process or even where to | | | | Get references from all your contractors and call |
| start. For most, adding on to their home is a daunting | | | | them. Ask them about the scope of the project they |
| task, and should begin with professional advice. Like | | | | hired, the cleanliness of the job site, and the quality of |
| every project, clearly outlining objectives and goals is | | | | the workmanship. You cannot be too careful. Your |
| the surest way to achieve success. | | | | local Better Business Bureau may be of assistance |
| One should ask themselves, "What do I want to | | | | too. |
| achieve with this addition." Maybe your family is | | | | Lastly, do not be afraid to negotiate. There's almost |
| growing, maybe you'll be working from home and need | | | | always room. Compare the bids carefully, I've found |
| an office, or perhaps a dependant relative may be | | | | that the contractor who spends the most time |
| moving in. Some may just want to add square | | | | measuring and developing an accurate estimate is |
| footage to increase their homes value. Whichever | | | | usually right for the job. Be leery of contractors who |
| scenario best fits you, it is important to do an analysis | | | | walk into a room and shout out a price without |
| on the property to estimate the return you may have | | | | unclasping his or her tape measure from their belt. |
| on your investment. | | | | Once you've selected a contractor, get the deal in |
| Once you know the scope of your investment, you | | | | writing. I cannot stress this enough. Clearly outline |
| must next plan your addition. Many will choose an | | | | payment milestones and insist on lien releases from |
| architect to draft the additions, others will scratch out | | | | suppliers prior to making any payment. In some states |
| their ideas on paper themselves. I prefer using an | | | | a supplier can lien the "project house" if the contractor |
| architect as they have the experience to properly | | | | fails to pay them for materials. It's imperative to hold |
| estimate materials used, proper engineering, and will | | | | your contractor accountable. |
| ultimately result in more streamlined addition. | | | | If taken seriously the remodel and addition process can |
| Arguably, one can hire the architect prior to measuring | | | | be highly rewarding and very enjoyable. Working |
| their potential return on investment, but I prefer to | | | | methodically through the process is the sure-fire way |
| know my options prior to engaging an architect to | | | | to guarantee your success. Once finished you can |
| avoid costly revisions. Knowing whether your return is | | | | enjoy your new addition knowing you made the right |
| maximized with the addition of one bedroom or three | | | | decisions and protected your most valuable |
| is best known before you have the plans drafted. | | | | investment: your home. |