Have you ever thought of building as a type of artwork? If you were to interact with a few construction workers or contractors, and then talk to them about their work, you might come to see it this way. Designing and building a whole structure requires some sort of artistic intellect. It might be a different sort of artistry than one would use to create a painting or a drawing, but it is art nonetheless.
On this blog, we are going to write about construction and contractors. We aim to do that from a range of perspectives, which should keep things interesting.
If you're running out of space for your growing family, it could be time to consider a room addition. Adding another bedroom or bathroom could make a big difference in your family's comfort. You'll need to bring in a residential addition contractor early in the planning phase so you can set realistic goals and make sure your ideas are in compliance with local codes. Here are some possible solutions for problems you might face with a residential addition.
1. Build Up Rather Than Out When You Lack Space
Unless you have a large lot, you may be limited in where you can place an addition. Your new room needs to be a certain distance from your property line and away from the setback area. It also needs to be a certain distance from a well, septic tank, drain field, and easement.
If it's too challenging to find a place for your addition that also fits with your home's layout, talk to your contractor about adding a second level to your home rather than building it out. You could build a partial or complete upstairs addition according to your budget. However, you may find that building up costs more than building out.
2. Think About a Mini-Split For Climate Control
Unless you're also ready to get a new HVAC system, and you upgrade to handle the space of the new addition, you may want to use a mini-split heat pump for climate control. This system doesn't need ducts and it won't interfere with your current HVAC. It provides both heating and air conditioning so children will be comfortable sleeping in the addition during all seasons of the year.
3. Determine If Plumbing Is Worth The Expense
Your addition will need electrical service, but it may not need plumbing. Adding a bathroom will add quite a bit to the cost of the addition. However, a possible solution is to position the bathroom on the other side of the wall of a bathroom you already have. The plumbing installation may not be as costly since you'll have lines already in place to hook into.
This is something to discuss with your residential addition contractor so you can determine if it's worth the expense to put an extra bathroom in your addition. If your family needs another bathroom, then the expense is probably well worth it.
A residential addition contractor can help you with these problems and more. You'll need plans for your addition, and you'll need permits for building, plumbing, and electricity. With proper planning, the project has a bigger chance of going smoothly and sticking close to your budget. Making major changes once the work begins could end up being costly.
For more information, contact a residential addition contractor.