7 Keys to Limiting Room Addition Costs

Adding a room to your home is a daunting but rewarding task. The steps and costs involved in the addition may seem overwhelming, however, in the end the additional space will be worth it.
 
Some things to keep in mind when creating your room addition plan are:
 
Money: First you need to decide what type of addition is going to best suit your family’s needs. You start by figuring out how much money is in your budget. As a reference, adding a new bathroom or kitchen to your home can range in cost from $25,000 - $50,000 or $200 - $600 per square foot. When estimating the total cost of the project, adding 10% for contingencies provides a cushion allowing you to be confident if unexpected costs turn up.
 
The Architect: In planning and creating your addition it is important to find a great architect; one that listens to your needs, and is able to offer helpful ways to maximize your budget. One fail safe way of find the perfect architect is to obtaining references, and interviewing several architects. Having options and reviews of the candidate are great way to make sure that you are choosing the right architect for you and your project. Knowing how an architect organizes and manages a project can be a deciding factor of the architectural firm’s character.
 
Pro tip: Download our guide “How to Hire an Architect” at www.ds-arch.com/M616
 
The Value: Another thing to think about when planning your room addition is the potential value the addition adds to your home. The best way to make sure that your addition is adding value to your home is to consider amenities that are highly sought after in homes near you. One example of this may be if a majority of homes have large front porches in your neighborhood.  A large front porch, being a popular attribute of a home, would add value to your home.
 
Zoning: Make sure to check the zoning regulations in your town. Most residents cannot build within 20 feet of the front of the property. Also, if expanding vertically you may need to check how tall you are allowed to build.
 
Blending: Finally, you want to consider how the addition will look with the rest of your home. A seamless transition from room to room is more aesthetically pleasing, and is more appealing to potential buyers. In addition, the interior and exterior materials should match.
 
Budgeting is a huge factor in any home improvement, remodeling or construction project. Looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality?

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​Here are 7 ways to limit room addition costs:
 
1. Build in the off-season: When you begin the construction on your home can affect the cost. Waiting until January can save you 4-5% on your investment. Because the winter months are slow for builders, they will have cheaper rates.  
 
2. Receive early estimates: researching estimates and costs early on in the project allows you to know an approximate amount for the work you want completed. Additionally, interviewing several architects or builders allows you to compare prices and get the most out of your budget. Always be sure to factor in hidden costs in an addition such as: phone, cable, internet, furniture, window treatments and carpeting.  
 
3. Keep it simple: keeping the design simple is another way to limit costs. Simple rectangular or square floor plans are less costly than more intricately shaped designs. Using easily obtainable materials is less expensive than custom materials.  
 
4. Use recycled materials: less expensive and eco-friendly, recycled materials are a great resource when adding onto a home. Salvaged materials like brick, roof tiles, pressed straw paneling, cement composites and recycled steel are all materials available to use. Visit architectural salvage warehouse for doors, light fixtures, and windows.  
 
5. Order online: shopping online is a great way to get cheaper accessories such as; kitchen faucets, bathroom furnishings, lighting, and window treatments.  
 
6. Do it yourself: painting, landscaping and cleanup are areas of an addition project that do not require a person to be construction- savvy. If you are a little handy, researching prior to construction tasks such as; tiling and bathroom fitting will cut costs even more. Or, contracting these tasks out is a less expensive option than going through your builder.  

​7. Go green: in the short-run, including energy-efficient extras will increase your expenses. However in the long-run it will save you money. For example, solar panels on your roof decrease your energy bill; installing windows that allow for maximum insulation and light are a great way to save on heating and cooling. Additionally tax incentives are a plus when going green. When considering solar power, looking at the big picture of savings is more important then the initial costs.  
 
Adding an addition to your home does not have to drain your wallet. There are multitudes of ways that you can cut corners without sacrificing quality. Considering the timing of the construction project, researching estimates, using recycled materials and going green are all ways that you can save thousands on your project.