Pursuing a home addition is an exciting endeavor, so it’s tempting to rush through the preliminary steps. Yet, taking the time to prepare thoroughly for your expansion will ensure a smooth execution and satisfying results. Below are five steps you should take to ensure you’re totally prepared for adding on to your home.

5 Steps to Preparing for a Home Addition

1. Develop Site & Floor Plans

Site and floor plans are basic outlines of your prospective new space. As their names suggest, site plans illustrate how the addition will look on your property, while floor plans depict the interior. CAD software is available for tech-savvy homeowners, but many choose to work with a professional to ensure their plans are properly scaled and designed. Some home renovation teams can also tackle the design aspect of your addition, so figure out what your needs are before hiring anyone.

2. Obtain a Permit

After you’ve developed site and floor plans, you’ll need to acquire a building permit. Requirements vary among municipalities, so consult your contractor or township clerk to find out which type you’ll need.

3. Have Blueprints Made

Blueprints are more detailed than general floor plans, so you’ll need to work with a professional to have these made. They are a critical tool for your contractor, as they’ll provide clear directions during every step of the home addition.

4. Hire a Contractor

There are many ways to find the right home renovation team to complete your project. You can ask around and check online for companies in your area. Once you’ve come up with a list, begin looking through contractors’ galleries to view their past work. You can also read reviews from past customers to see whether they’d recommend the company.

5. Prep Your Family & Home

During the building phase, you can expect some changes to your daily routine. For instance, there will be more noise than usual, and, occasionally, the water and power may need to be shut off. A great contractor will keep the lines of communication open so you can make any necessary adjustments in advance. You may also wish to move certain activities, like studying or watching TV, to other areas of the house. Make sure pets and children are always out of contractors’ way for their own safety, and feel free to ask your builders to provide you with a rough timeline in advance so you’ll know what to expect.

Comia Home Builders is O’Fallon, MO’s leading source for home design, remodeling, and additions. To inquire about your home addition project, call (314) 575-0521. You can also view their outstanding work on their website or like them on Facebook to see what satisfied homeowners are saying about their services.