If your current home is beginning to seem a bit cramped, then it might be time to consider home additions in Maryland. After all, building a home addition will give you the added space and functionality you need without the hassle of moving and leaving your current neighborhood. Of course, a home addition is a major project and not one that should be taken lightly. Specifically, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask of any addition contractor before you sign any kind of contract.
Can You Work With My Specific Budget?
Start by determining a budget range that’s feasible for you. You should always factor in a little bit extra for any unforeseen expenses that arise during the addition project. Either way, it’s important that you find a contractor who’s willing to work with your specific budget and help maximize it.
Do I Have the Proper Zoning?
Depending on how your land is zoned, you may have certain restrictions that need to be kept in mind when planning your addition. For example, many residential zoning laws require that homes be built a certain distance away from sidewalks, roads, or an adjacent lot. Therefore, if you’re limited in terms of expanded outwards, you may need to think about expanding upwards. A contractor familiar with local zoning laws will be able to advise you on this.
Will I Need a New HVAC System?
Depending on how much square footage you’re adding to your home, there’s a chance that you may need a new HVAC system as well. After all, your existing HVAC system may simply not be powerful enough to provide heat or cool air to the added space. This is something that many homeowners fail to consider when planning an addition, so be sure to ask your contractor about this and factor in the cost of a new HVAC system into the budget, if necessary.
How Well Will it Blend in With My Home?
When planning your home addition, it’s important to consider not only how it’ll look from the inside, but from the exterior as well. Some home additions aren’t very well planned and end up sticking out like a sore thumb when looking from the outside. This could affect your ability to sell your home down the road, as curb appeal is important to many buyers these days. So, be sure to talk with your contractor to develop a plan regarding how the new addition with the blend in with the rest of the home’s existing structure.
Will You Obtain the Necessary Permits?
There will likely need to be several permits that need to be obtained from local municipalities before construction is able to start. You should find out up front from your contractor who will be responsible for obtaining these permits. Most reputable contractors will be happy to do this on your behalf and at no additional charge, saving you the time and hassle. However, you shouldn’t assume that this will be the case.
Is a Follow-Up Inspection Included?
Last but not least, find out whether or not your city requires follow-up inspections once construction is completed. If so, who will be responsible for the cost of this inspection, and who will be brought in for the job? You may need to pay a few hundred dollars out-of-pocket, and your contractor may be able to recommend an inspector to take care of this for you.
As you can see, there’s a lot to keep in mind when planning for a home addition project in your Maryland home. For more assistance throughout the process, please contact us today.