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7 Keys to Limiting Room Addition Costs

6/23/2016

3 Comments

 
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?

​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.
3 Comments
Jerry Green link
6/17/2017 07:31:52 am

The blog is all about some key factors that should be kept in limit otherwise it will maximize the overall cost expense of room addition. Basically the cost associated with room addition can be broken down into 2 factors. One is material cost and the other one is labor cost. So, if we want to choose lower quality material to reduce the cost then for me it is not a great idea, so, one should fix a budget and choose the most needed materials of best quality wisely for room addition. Similarly doing everything by own will definitely save some money at its initial stage but later it will become the biggest reason of cost expense. So, hire the most efficient worker by considering the referrals who will not only complete the task timely but also keep everything within the budget. Well, room addition is very important because it not only adds more space but also puts some value to the home. So, one should keep all the above things in mind before going for room addition.

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Derek Dewitt link
7/25/2017 12:30:38 pm

My wife and I are thinking about adding a sunroom addition to our house but aren't sure where to start. I like that you suggest starting construction in the winter because prices are typically lower. We want to have this done by next spring so maybe waiting for prices to go down can save us a lot in the end. Thanks for the help!

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Millie Hue link
7/13/2018 02:46:48 am

Thanks for pointing out that one way to lower the costs is to keep the design simple. Like you said, the rectangular and square floor plans are more affordable. I will share this information with sister since they plan to have another room built to give their teenage daughter her own room. From what I know, she is still sharing with her younger brother.

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  • Home
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  • Services
  • Portfolio
  • Case Studies
    • East Side Double Decker Remodel
    • Daycare Expansion Project
    • Commerical Loft Conversion
    • Luxury Single Family Hingham
    • Elementary School Renovation
    • Urban Single Family Providence
    • Investment Property Remodel
    • Assisted Living Addition
    • Providence Place Mall Interior
    • Jewelry Factory Loft Conversion
    • 12-Unit Apartment Building
  • Reviews
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