Home additions increase the value and square footage of your space, but how do you know if it’s the right decision? A common issue among homeowners seeking to expand is not thoroughly processing the what, why, and how of their addition. Changes to a home, no matter the size, are an investment that require commitment. Decide if you’re committed to the idea of a home addition with these guidelines.  

Define your dream space

Brainstorm a list of all the dream areas you’d love to add to your home—as well as which additions are top priority—and analyze if any of those concepts can be accomplished with the existing square footage. If not, you’ve found a starting point for an addition project you can build on.  

Look at the land and rules before designing 

Depending on various land factors, rules about building additions are restrictive. Your land slope, home dimensions, and property lines are important to have information on. Local municipalities and city governments have regulations on how you build them. Check in on your community rules before even designing. This way, you aren’t stuck with an idea you love that isn’t build-able.  

Speak to an expert about logistics and pricing  

There are likely many contractors in your area who will offer free estimates and can help brainstorm about materials, how long the project will take, and where it could best fit with the existing layout of your home. If pricing and logistics are an issue, investigate with different companies to find one you like. Your time and money are valuable resources that need to be allocated thoughtfully. If you’re unhappy with a company’s estimate, don’t settle—make sure you’re satisfied with all aspects of a proposed project before you commit.

Break ground  

After choosing your contractor, break ground as soon as you’re ready with the funds and time. There is no rush, but the process is often longer than most anticipate. The sooner you get going, the faster you’ll see results. Optimal times to build if you live in an area with all four seasons are spring and summer, so plan accordingly. Depending on where in your home you’re adding space, you’ll need to move around furniture and adjust living patterns during the build. 

Thinking about the interior is the last step. Most of the work before comes from developing building concepts, breaking ground, and budgeting. Home additions are not easy, but with a little planning, you can achieve the home you’ve always wanted.