If you’re planning to place an addition onto your home, there are certain questions you’ll want to ask your contractor. They have experience completing home additions and can prepare you for the process.
Many people are eager to start the project right away, but the truth is, a lot goes into building an addition. Just like other rooms in your home, most additions require electricity, flooring, heating, air conditioning and possibly plumbing.
Kavin Construction is a premier home builder in Los Angeles, and home additions are some of our most popular projects! In fact, with the current market conditions, more people are choosing to stay in their homes and renovate them instead of moving.
Below are five questions we recommend asking your contractor before starting a home addition project.
1. How will the addition blend in with the rest of my home?
The best home additions look like they’ve been there all along! But this requires careful planning and skill – you can’t just add on a room and call it a day.
Here at Kavin Construction, we consider things like the roofline of the new structure, the interior and exterior materials and the windows. It’s important that all of these elements fit seamlessly into the home so that the addition doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb!
2. Are there any zoning restrictions or permits to be aware of?
Most municipalities in the Los Angeles region have regulations regarding what you can build on your property and where. This will influence whether or not you can have a home addition in the first palace.
With nearly five decades of experience, Kavin Construction is familiar with the zoning restrictions and permit requirements in the Los Angeles area. We’ll make sure these are reflected in the blueprints, and we’ll take care of all paperwork for you.
3. What experience do you have building home additions?
Another question you’ll want to ask is how much experience the contractor has building home additions. This is a huge task, so you want to choose a company that has experience, a positive reputation and a strong portfolio. The right contractor will know what hurdles you might come across and how to address them, as well as if engineers and subcontractors are needed.
4. How long will it take to build the addition, and how much will it cost?
When speaking with different contractors, you’ll also want to ask how long the addition will take and what the estimated cost is. A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate, which allows you to make adjustments that fit your needs and budget.
Average home additions take about 3-4 months to build, not including design time. And, if your project is more complex, expect it to take longer.
5. Are there any other ways to make my home bigger?
If a home addition is not an option, an experienced contractor will be able to offer you other options. For example, additional dwelling units, or ADUs, are a great option when you’re looking to add extra space to your home. These units are smaller, independent living spaces located on the same lot as a single-family home. They are highly popular in California.
You can also ask us about a bump-out, which is perfect if you want to expand your kitchen, install a walk-in closet or make your master bathroom bigger. A full addition is not necessary, so you can save time, money and mess while still achieving your goals.
To learn more about expanding your home with an addition, schedule an in-home consultation with Kavin Construction today!
