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4 Questions to Ask Your Contractor When Expanding Your Home

The thought of allowing someone to come into your home, switch things around, and create something new can be alarming. For this reason, you should do this with extra caution. A home expansion is among the most significant home renovation goals for many homeowners. If you’re considering adding a new floor, room, or any expansion to your home, it’s vital to kick-start your project the correct way. The difference between a well-planned and a poorly executed home addition starts with hiring the right contractor. As a homeowner, there are plenty of vital questions you need to ask potential contractors. But, which are the crucial questions to ask? You’re not alone; many homeowners struggle with this part. We have prepared four vital questions you should ask contractors when interviewing them to make the best choice.

1. How Long Have You Been in Operation?

If a contractor has been in the field for an extended time, they certainly have the relevant work experience to handle complex tasks. It also means they have gone through plenty of growing pains that many businesses deal with in their nestling years. According to experts from reozone.com.au/reinforcing-mesh, working with experienced professionals is vital as this ensures quality work. Home improvement experts say that companies with experience have already implemented systems and controls to ensure that their work is timely and budget-friendly. Even though this is true, homeowners still opt to work with someone who has years of experience in the business but is a new business owner. Ideally, many home improvement business owners were in the industry before starting their own companies. This means they have technical experience. If you feel like working with such a contractor, we recommend working with them on smaller projects. If you’re satisfied with the services, you can engage them for long-term engagement.

2. Will the Additions Blend Naturally with Existing Structures?

Adding an extra structure to your home should be done carefully. The addition needs to look like it belongs or has always been part of your home. To achieve just that, you need thorough planning and skill to pull it off. For instance, the contractor must consider how the new structure’s roof-line will connect uniformly to the house. Additionally, they should also consider what exterior and interior materials, including doors and windows, will fit naturally into place. If done incorrectly, you risk ruining the beauty of your home. Over time, this can lower your home’s appeal, and it’s worth it if you plan to sell it in the future. The contractor should also assess how the plumbing system or power cables will fit into the home’s present utility systems to create a functional space.
In some cases, your home systems may not be large enough to accommodate a new expansion. Or perhaps, the modern utility technologies may not blend well with the present utility system. Such technical issues can affect where you can and cannot build your addition.

3. Who Will Be Responsible for Designing the Additions?

Whether it’s an exterior remodel or just an addiction, it’s vital to know who will do the design. Will it be done by the original contractor or by a separate entity to the contractor? Will the contractor give you an option to pick designs from a portfolio? Is the fee of the plan included in the initial budget up-front? Will the contractor offer you expert advice on material selections and other things, or are you on your own? These are vital elements in the renovation process to ensure that the final design achieves your desired goals. We recommend being comfortable and open with your contractor. This is because you will likely contact them during the project.

4. What are the End Results and What Can I Expect?

The home renovation process varies depending on the size and function of the addition. Again, it can vary depending on the time of year you decide to renovate or the region you reside in. Additionally, things like licenses, permits, and inspections can also extend the building duration. The contractor will need to take the appropriate paperwork to variance meetings and explain your plan to the officials. One standard guideline to expect from this process is planning. The planning stage mainly involves hiring your builder and taking measurements or blueprints for your new addition. The right contractor will give you the desired feedback without exaggeration. Additionally, they will update you on each activity every step of the way.

We also recommend asking your contractor how long your project will take. If your project is more complex, it might take longer compared to an average home remodel. Asking your contractor these four questions before a home expansion will help eliminate any element of surprise during your project. Also, this will help the contractor prepare in advance to work efficiently without any mishaps.

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    Allen Brown

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    1 Discussion on “4 Questions to Ask Your Contractor When Expanding Your Home”

    • I’d also ask if about the types of materials they’re going to used, their quality and where will they buy them. Many people get surprised that the quality of the material wasn’t good months or years later.

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