As a household grows, with changing needs, you may start to think about expanding your home. This can be an exciting project that will almost seem like buying a new house.
But to prepare for your add-on — and make it a tasteful, well-designed addition for extra living space — keep these tips in mind.
1. Designate the Building Area
Seek a county engineer, city planner or architect’s advice to determine the best type of structure for your property and its location.
Assuming it will be adjoined to your current home — as opposed to being a stand-alone shed or office — the new construction will need to adhere seamlessly to your original house.
Make sure the design flows smoothly and continues the home’s structural framework.
You also need to decide the best place to arrange the new expansion, whether as a side, rear or front addition, and ensure it does not disrupt the function of existing areas.
2. Prepare the Ground
Find out if the open property on which you plan to build is strong enough to support the new structure.
You may need to excavate rocky soil or establish slope stabilization to get the ground even, stable and solid before construction begins.
The first step will be to remove tree trunks, boulders, branches and other types of debris to clear the area.
Then the building site can be solidified for the new addition.
