Planning a Home Addition
Most homeowners have a wish list of desired updates for their home, and adding on space usually makes the “big dreams” list. But how do you know if an addition is right for your home? And how do you get started with planning a home addition? Here are 4 tips to get you started in the right direction:
1. Start with an audit of your home, location, lifestyle, and budget. Take note of your daily living wants and needs, but also consider the value of your current house, the neighborhood, as well as how long you plan to be in your home. If you plan to retire in your home, but want more space for family get-togethers, a dinning room or guest room suite addition might be a good option.
2. Determine the scope. Are you ready to take on a multi-room addition or will a “bump out” or single room give you the extra space needed? Keep in mind bigger is not always better, but smaller doesn’t mean cheap. Also, how do you envision the new space to integrate with your existing house? Think about the exterior visual aesthetic as well as the interior functionality.
3. Secure Funding. Many additions are large enough that a loan or line of credit may be needed. Do you have equity in your home that you can use to make improvement? Talk to your bank or lender to learn about your options for financing the project if you are not planning to pay cash.
4. Find an experienced contractor. Most additions are too large to be DIY. A general contractor can walk you through the planning stages and oversee the full project. A good contractor can also coordinate how you can still live in the space while you are adding on. A well planned process is essential to a successful project.
If you are looking for an experienced building professional for a home addition, contact RCI Builders. We specialize in remodels and home additions in Adel, Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive, Grimes, Des Moines, Iowa and the entire Des Moines Metro. We are celebrating 15 years in the industry and would love to work with you on your home addition. We work with homeowners on design, material selections, and construction. We use our expertise in construction and communication to enhance family life by creating high functioning and beautiful homes.
If you are ready to discuss your project, give Marty at call at 515-314-5650.
View our project gallery here.
This blog post has been updated from a previous post from 2022.
By Trish Rake, Owner, RCI Builders