A Contractor’s Guide to Home Additions

Adding a new room to your home can solve your space issues. However, if you want to save time and money, your contractor will recommend you consider the following.

Make Sure You Know What the Space Is For

Before hiring a contractor for a home addition in Chicago, determine why you need the additional space by drafting a design guide. In other words, you need to figure out what you need the space for. For example, if you are adding it to accommodate an elderly family member, do you have enough space for a bed and bathroom? If it is going to be used as an added living space to accommodate your expanding family? Know the space’s purpose, your goals, and your needs prior to reaching out to a contractor.

Whatever the case may be, if you know the reason behind the space, your contractor will be able to come up with an accurate estimate and design, which can accommodate all your needs.

Consider a Micro Addition

If you are unsure about investing in the addition, you can always go for a bump-out. Also known as a ‘micro addition,’ it is basically an expansion of an existing room in the home. While it does still require permits under Illinois law, it is far less invasive than incorporating a whole home addition. Micro additions allow you to add a small amount of square footage to transform a space and make it more functional. These are ideal for:

• Kitchens that require an island or more counter space.
• A walk-in closet for a bedroom.
• A breakfast nook, complete with seating arrangements.

Renovate According to A Budget

A budget is one if not the most important factor of a renovation. As a general rule of thumb, double your labor and rough material estimate to account for finish materials (vanity, cabinetry, appliances, plumbing fixtures, paint, flooring, tile, etc.) In addition to the labor and materials, you can almost always guarantee an “unknown” will come up after the demo has occurred. It is impossible for a contractor to foresee every issue especially those hiding behind the walls and floor. It is important to set aside a contingency fund to cover the unknowns.

While many homeowners choose to take the time to save up for their remodeling project, there are several payment options including financing. Your contractor can educate you on the best route to take and where to allocate your money to get the highest return on investment. See our page on home additions in Chicago here. Let us show you home additions before and after photos from projects we have done all over the Chicago area.

This is where Areté Renovators can prove invaluable. Available for projects in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village, we have extensive experience in design, real estate, remodeling, home additions, and property management. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!