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A room addition increases square footage where it’s most needed and can also increase your home's resale value. However, there are several pitfalls to avoid during the planning process that will ensure you get the desired results within your budget. Below are helpful tips to follow during a home renovation.

Do:

Plan with a professional.

It’s easy to forget the details for expanding a part of your home, so plan with a professional. They’ll create a comprehensive plan to get the job done quickly and correctly.

Planning ensures you don’t forget the less-glamorous—but required—parts of home remodeling, like extending plumbing and electrical lines or adding new HVAC ductwork. Taking a close look at everything will help you best determine your budget and prepare for situations that may arise during construction.

Start with bathrooms and the kitchen.

A room addition can serve many purposes, and a lot of homes could benefit from more kitchen space or added bathrooms. Not only do more bathrooms mean no more waiting in line for the shower, but they’re also one of the best ways to increase property value. Consider adding a master bath to a guest suite or a hallway bathroom to connect your children’s bedrooms.

room addition independenceA roomy kitchen is easier to entertain and cook in. Build a bump-out to create an open-concept design or construct an addition with French doors that you can close off as a dining area. Adding a kitchen island, breakfast bar, granite countertops, tile flooring, and built-in appliances are all popular features for room additions.

Don’t:

Ignore utility lines.

You may not be able to build a room addition if you have septic, sewer, or utility lines nearby. A concrete foundation needs to be at least 10 feet from your septic tank and 20 feet from the drain field to ensure construction doesn’t compress the soil and stress the pipes. However, you can build as close as 2 feet to a water well. 

While it’s safe to build over utility lines, you need to be careful while preparing the site, so you don’t damage them. Check your survey document to ensure you don’t cross the property line to prevent disputes with neighbors.

Disregard your future goals.

A room addition needs to pay off in the long run, and it’s best to stay neutral with the design. Vibrant, mosaic tile flooring, intricate built-in cabinetry, or a full-wall shower may be a part of your dream home, but may not be the vision for a prospective buyer. If you’ll be selling in the future, make upgrades that will appeal to a wider variety of homeowners.

 

If you’re ready to start planning your room addition, contact Redebu Builders in Independence, MN. These professionals have completed projects throughout Hennepin County, including basement remodeling, whole-home renovations, and bathroom and kitchen remodeling. You can explore their previous work online, or call (612) 298-4302 to book a consultation.

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