Having a new arrival brings great joy to its family as well as many concerns about housing. When your little family is growing, it’s very important to think about providing the safest and the most comfortable place where each family member will live. Therefore, by adding an extra room, a detached room or a sunroom, you shall gain more space. Instead of purchasing a new home, many homeowners are now investing in a room addition, from $21,000 to $65, 000, and saving up. Not to mention this adds 50% to the value of your home in the long run.
How to get started
Big projects like this tend to start slow, it’s crucial to consult an architect about the most practical and economical addition for your house; whether that be a room addition for a younger member, a bump-out or a sunroom that will expand the living room. Get the blueprints done before buying the building material, so as to plan everything in detail. Make sure to get the building permit sorted out on time. Get a contractor or if you are on your own, ensure that the building follows all the rules and guidelines set by the local authority.
Set the foundation
It’s high time you started setting the foundation of the new room. The foundation’s construction can be quite tricky for a novice so don’t hesitate to turn to an expert. However, if you have had some building experience, you probably know that the slab foundation is the most inexpensive. Moreover, it’s often used in warm climates. After digging this shallow foundation, make sure it is in line with the home’s level. The size, as well as the depth of the foundation, should be according to your plans.
Wall construction
After setting a solid foundation, next in order are the walls. When building walls, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Even though this is a small addition, the bad weather can affect its construction, so it’s crucial to make sure that the walls are built correctly. If building the wall brick by brick is not your cup of tea, consider prefabricated wall panels that have previously been built indoors. Since this is a small structure, ordering these panels at a reasonable price pays off more than the traditional wall construction.
The roof over the head
The roof is an essential part of this structure since it provides protection. When adding the roof, opt for the materials that fit well with your existing roof. However, make sure not to build one massive roof, but divide it into numerous pieces, so as not to overwhelm the structure nor to ruin the aesthetics of your house. When it comes to the lineup of the new roofing, it’s probably better to leave it to a professional experienced in home renovation solutions since this is not an easy task to undertake.
Do it yourself, but let the experts help, too
Another task where you will need an expert’s assistance is when setting up an HVAC system as well as electricity. It’s better not to risk any fire hazards caused by bad wiring. While you let an expert tackle this issue, consider setting insulation and installing drywall, an easy DIY, if you are handy with the tools. For insulation, choosing the products that are environmentally friendly i.e. without formaldehyde and produced from recycled materials. When installing drywall, especially on the ceiling, a drywall lift can make the whole job a lot easier. If you don’t have one, consider renting one.
Almost finished
Before we can say that your new room addition is finally finished, there are some basic tasks that you should complete on your own. First of all, covering the wall with paint or wallpaper is an easy-to-do task that won’t take too much of your time.
Laminate flooring is the best choice since it is easy to set and it’s not too expensive. Cork floor or practical carpet tiles can also be found at a reasonable price. Upon completing these tasks, all you have to do is to furnish the new room addition according to your liking.
Make it big!
There are really many ways you can make the most of the space in your home. Whether you chose to build a room in your backyard, add a bump-out solution or even to set up a sunroom as a dining area, you shall definitely discover the hidden potentials of your home.
Also, read: http://www.newspeakblog.com/moving-dream-home-apartment-7-dos-donts-need-know/
