Additions to Homes, Done Right

After careful consideration, you’ve decided to build some additional living space to your home.

Gathering around a fireplace in a new cozy entertainment room is something that everyone enjoys. It is a new place to enjoy each other’s company. The telling of stories, while eating and sharing time together, provide fond memories. A new addition can provide additional living space, comfort and relaxation you deserve. Dirt Connections is the right expert, to build the new addition for your future enjoyment and comfort.

Type of Additions

Extend Outward

This type of addition occurs when you add to the existing footprint of the home. The contractor will provide an opening from the existing home to the new living space. The new roof will tie into the existing roof structure. This type of addition is generally one to two stories high.

Add a New Level

Another type of addition occurs when you remove the existing roof structure and build another level over the existing level. Once the main wall framing is complete, a new roof structure will be installed.

Basement Dig Out

This is a challenging and technical project. Once the home is properly shored, excavation from underneath the home can commence. As this work progresses, the installation of new footings with foundations are placed. This work allows for the removal of the shoring as the living space is made available.

Contractor Selection

Find Candidates

Ask your friends for referrals. Check the internet. You can get some personal recommendations from the local building supply house.

Get Estimates

With your vision recorded on paper with photos of ideas, invite your contractor candidates to your home for a site inspection. Make sure you give all potential contractors the same information. You want to do all you can to receive similar detailed proposals.

Photos and References

Ask for photos and references of completed work. With final selection, go out and visually inspect the project. If possible, ask for a walkthrough of the completed work.

Get License & Insurance Verification

Always get a copy of the license and insurance. Contact the building department and insurance agent, make sure the license and insurance are active and in force.

Make Your Decision

With confirmation of great work, active license and insurance and confidence in the candidate, make your decision.

Planning

A pre-construction meeting is advisable. You want to layout a timeline of events. In addition, you want to have all the phone numbers and emails for the appropriate questions. A step by step process will serve as a guide for the proposed completion of the project.

Preparation

Always a good idea to secure the existing living space with plastic, this avoids dust migration into your living space. Make sure there is a portable toilet on site. Provide for access at one location. Establish workdays and hours. Exceptions can apply with prior notice.

Permits

When all permits necessary for commencement have been received and posted, then you can start work. Be sure you make a copy for yourself. You want to keep this handy, in the event you have need of any of the building department contact information. Periodic online status may be available, don’t hesitate to check during construction.

Ms. Utility

Before you dig, contact Ms. Utility. Ms. Utility usually needs 2 – 3 days to mark your property. Ms. Utility will locate the utility lines adjacent to your home and new construction.

RED – Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit, and Lighting Cables.

YELLOW – Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum, or Gaseous Material.

ORANGE – Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables, or Conduit.

BLUE – Potable Water.

GREEN – Sewers and Drain Lines.

WHITE – Proposed Excavation Limits or Route.

 

Start

With a guide of construction, permits in place and Ms. Utility notified, you are ready to get started. Make sure work progresses in a manner you expect. When situations occur, send and email, you want to document all your concerns. I encourage you to purchase a $2.00 Composition and records all thoughts, concerns, events any other event, that can have a bearing on your addition. Use ink to record your notes and never tear a page out of the book. The notes in this Composition Book can be handy for future reference.

Process

Periodic checks on the work and permit status is a must. Ask to see the contractor, invite him/her over for coffee and a donut. You need not limit your conversations for issues of concerns. Schedule regular meetings during construction. Residential home additions are taxing on all parties. Make your project as enjoyable as possible.

Completion

The day has finally arrived, your new home addition is complete and it looks great. Before you turn over your last check, make sure:

1. All permits have been finalized.
2. All punch list work has been complete.
3. Get a lien release with final payment.
4. Yard has been cleaned up and project material hauled away.

Enjoyment

With all work completed, permits closed out and a lien release in hand, you can begin to enjoy the newly constructed home addition of your dreams.

Enhancing Your Home with the Right Addition

When choosing an addition for your home, consider the best fit for your needs. Extending outward adds space seamlessly, while adding a new level increases your home’s footprint. A basement dig out can create a new living area below ground. Each option has its unique benefits and challenges. Think about the impact on your current space and your future needs before making a decision.