Are you looking to expand your home? Have you used up every inch of additional space?
Maybe it’s time to build an addition onto your home!
Before you do, there are a number of things you have to take into consideration including the type of room you want to build, where you will build it, and what permits you need to do so.
It may seem like a lot but don’t worry! Here is your guide to building an addition onto your home:
Do I Need a Permit to Build an Addition Onto My Home?
Zoning bylaws are used by your municipal government to regulate land development by limiting the size of homes.
In the City of Edmonton, additions to a home require a development permit and a building permit. And, if your addition requires mechanical changes, you will also have to get electrical, heating and ventilation, plumbing, and gas permits as required.
Zoning regulations involve how high an addition can be, where it can be built, and how much area it can cover. This all depends on what zoning applies to your property. You can verify the zoning of your property by visiting this link.
How Much Space Do I Need to Build an Addition?
Even before you acquire the proper permits, you have to figure out if you have enough space to build an addition – and to do that, you need to know where you are going to build it.
You have to consider the structure of your home and look at the existing foundation to see if your new addition can be properly supported.
In order to determine the right size for your new addition, think about what you want and need. You don’t necessarily have to build a gigantic addition to gain more space in your home.
Think about what you want to use the room for and the pieces of furniture this will require. You may also want to plan for storage such as closets or built-in cabinets.
Overall, you’ll need to prioritize between function, style, or convenience and find a balance between the three that work for you.
In addition to deciding what type of room you want to add and where you want to build in, make sure you confirm that your existing electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems can serve the new space.
Do I Need a Contractor to Build An Addition Onto My Home?
While it is possible to DIY a home addition, there are many factors that have to be taken into consideration when tackling a project like this.
First of all, you need to have the skills and tools to do the job correctly. The last thing you want to do is start a huge renovation and then realize you are in over your head!
In the end, being ill-prepared for an undertaking such as building an addition onto your home may cost you more money if you end up buying too many materials or have to correct mistakes.
Another option is to divide the project into tasks you can do and tasks you cannot do. For instance, perhaps you have no problem hanging drywall but no experience in running plumbing. In this case, you would definitely need to hire a plumber.
Ultimately, the easiest and most cost-efficient way to build an addition onto your home is to hire a professional contractor.
The right contractor can work thoroughly and efficiently to ensure that the addition is built properly and within a favorable timeframe.
Look for an expert contractor that is knowledgeable, experienced, insured, licensed, and bonded.
Popular Room Addition Ideas
Kitchen
Do you find your kitchen a bit too small? Or is it poorly designed? You can easily expand and renovate your kitchen into an addition that allows you to create an open and functional space.
When building a kitchen addition, look at the condition of your appliances and cabinetry. If they are in good shape, consider design plans that will allow you to keep them intact instead of having to replace them.
Bathroom
Another major area you should look at if you are planning to build an addition onto your home is the bathroom. You expand the bathroom you have or build an entirely new one!
But before you plan your new bathroom, you have to take a look at your piping. Are there existing pipes you extend into the addition?
An alternative to adding a new bathroom is renovating your basement to include one – the piping is all right there!
Mudroom
Mudrooms function as an informal entry into your home and are a great place to store shoes and coats.
Plus, they’re called a mudroom because they are easy to clean – so it’s a great place to drop muddy boots or bring in dogs with dirty paws!
If you have enough space, you can even add storage to your mudroom such as benches with drawers or built-in shelving.
Sunroom
Sunrooms can expand your home and bring in some natural light! You can enclose an existing porch or add a sunroom to the front of your home.
When you add on a sunroom, you can winterize it and enjoy it all year long or leave it uninsulated to use during the warmer months.
Overall, the addition of a sunroom can improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value.
Home Office
Nowadays, more people are working from home and are beginning to realize the importance of a functional office space.
You can turn a spare room into an office but, if you don’t have this kind of extra space, you can build an addition onto your home.
Functional home offices provide a quiet space free from distractions where you can organize your materials and work comfortably.
Room To Grow!
Building an addition onto your home is a great way to maximize your space and increase its value!
Our team of expert contractors is here to help! Get in touch with today for your free estimate and let’s get started on creating the home of your dreams.
