Having an addition built on your home is a pretty big endeavor. So, before you go ahead and get started, you will likely want to get a couple of different estimates from different companies. You can then compare the amounts you are quoted and the work that the companies recommend having done. But beyond reviewing the physical estimates, you should also ask the builders some questions while they're out looking at your home. Here are the key questions to make sure you ask.
Will they be hiring any subcontractors?
Building a home addition is an involved project that includes a lot of different kinds of work, from pouring a foundation to putting up drywall. While some home addition companies handle this all themselves, others may hire subcontractors to do some of the work. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but when subcontractors come into play, the work can take longer, and there may be more waiting for various workers to have time in their schedule. If you need your addition completed by a certain date, you may be better off hiring a company that handles everything in-house, as they tend to work more efficiently.
Will they finish the interior space?
Customers often assume that when they have a home addition built, it will be completed with carpet, painted walls, and other finishes. Sometimes this is the case but not always. Some home addition companies only build the shell and will leave you to either finish the space yourself or hire another contractor to do the work. Make sure you have a clear list of what work is included and not included in each estimate you are given.
How will they tie into your plumbing and HVAC systems?
One of the hardest parts of building an addition onto a home is tying into the plumbing and HVAC systems. Sometimes, the current HVAC system is not large enough to service the addition. Sometimes the plumbing needs to be upgraded to carry water to the addition. It's worth asking the contractor to describe, in detail, how they plan on tying into these systems so you can plan accordingly. You don't want to realize, halfway through the addition process, that you need a whole new furnace and AC unit for your home.
Having an addition built onto your home can be life-changing. Just make sure you take the time to get a few quotes and gather information from your contractors. Reach out to a home addition service in your area.