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Before starting on a new home addition, there are several important things to consider. You'll want to take your city's municipal codes, the foundation of your home, material selection, and other design decisions into consideration in order for your addition to be built smoothly. Please read the information below in order to educate yourself better about the four major things to consider before building an addition to your home.
A construction manager’s insight, experience, guidance, and complete loyalty are essential to ensure that YOUR best interests are always the prime consideration for every decision made throughout the remodeling process. This is not the case with many contractors because they are looking out for their own best interests and as a result are not providing unbiased advice. Homeowners that attempt to go it alone: who don’t understand the importance of proper pre-planning; who don’t take the time to do the due diligence needed and fail to constantly monitor their project once building begins, are virtually guaranteed to run into problems, delays, and budget busting surprises. Read More.
Hundreds of decisions and supervision details: that’s the reality of a home remodel. Construction managers handle the daily decisions that have to be made about your project, especially once construction begins. They’re on site to facilitate and handle the daily supervision, cutting down on costly delays, and budget busting cost overruns, saving you thousands of dollars and countless hours.
The first critical step is to inquire at the local building department about any setback requirements. Many cities have building codes that include front yard, side yard, and rear yard setbacks. If a code calls for a 25 foot front yard setback, it means that no part of the residential structure can be built within 25 feet of the property line that abutts the street. Additionally, building height limitations, floor area ratio, lot coverage ratio, and occupancy and usage classifications may impose some additional restrictions on the new structure. Sometimes, a vital part of your plan may not be in compliance with the building code, in which case a variance is the only option. Obtaining a variance from the building department is a long and costly procedure and should only be considered as a last resort.
The appropriate selection and application of building materials is essential to the quality and appearance of the new addition. The objective is to integrate the new structure with the existing design style, using materials that are stylish, durable, and low-maintenance in a cost-effective way. Knowledge of the properties, usage, and availability of various woods and synthetics is extremely helpful when designing the exterior cladding and trim. You may want to make use of energy efficient design practices that can reduce the structure’s energy consumption. The size and orientation of a glazed surface area, the installation of double glazed windows, and the appropriate level of thermal insulation will have a significant affect on heat loss, for example. Investing in new, alternative energy methods such as radiant heating might be worth considering as well. Also, be aware that the requirements for the capacity of a septic system are often based on the size of the floor area or the number of bedrooms. An increase in living space may result in modifications to the existing system, requiring some additional site work and excavation.
There are many minor interior design decisions that can greatly enhance the ambiance of the new space. Cathedral or vaulted ceilings, tiling or oak flooring, crown moldings and interior trim, wains-coating or wall paneling, electrical and lighting design, and the selection of appliances and fixtures all will contribute to the quality of life in the new addition. The items listed here are just a few of the issues to be resolved when undertaking any residential construction. You will undoubtedly discover many more during the course of the construction process. Thus, you should be prepared ahead of time with a particular design, theme, and necessary materials in order for the construction to progress in a timely manner.
Permits are needed to allow any major work to be performed. If you are planning on building a structure or adding on to the one you already own, you will need permits that show you are allowed to continue on with the work.
Permits are normally obtained through your county and can be received for many home projects without a contracting license. You will need permits to install a pool, a fence, or even a screened in porch or shed. You will be asked to give a set a blueprints or a design showing the work you are planning on completing and a detailed time frame for delivery.
Contracting permits are obtained by licensed contractors and can not be given to the ordinary home owner for home improvement projects. Contractor’s permits are needed for building a structure, doing any electrical or plumbing work and in most cases, when you hire a contractor, they will obtain the permits as part of the agreement.
USING A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
A Construction Manager can either work for an organization or be an individual consultant that plans, directs and coordinates all facets of a project for a fee.
They are responsible to channel all information to all parties involved.
They also possess a myriad of talents including being very organized and detail oriented, they are creative and able to multi task efficiently.
Their role is similar to that of an architect, but usually at a slightly lower fee. They also will generally have a very good pool of contacts for hiring subcontractors. The following is a list of some of the more important tasks they perform.
They are generally hired by you and will act as your representative. This means that you will have a knowledgeable ally looking out for your best interest.
appropriate level of thermal insulation will have a significant affect on heat loss, for example. Investing in new, alternative energy methods such as radiant heating might be worth considering as well. Also, be aware that the requirements for the capacity of a septic system are often based on the size of the floor area or the number of bedrooms. An increase in living space may result in modifications to the existing system, requiring some additional site work and excavation.
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