10 Things to Consider When Planning a Home Addition

There’s a lot to think about when planning a home addition. You’re probably thinking about all the space you’ll have, how you want to design it, what furniture you need, and even how you’ll show it off when it’s done! Before you get ahead of yourself, there are a few things you should consider before you begin.

Documentation

When you’re putting on an addition, you’ll need permits, a survey map showing your property lines, the deed to your home, and more. You need to ensure that your addition is entirely on your property and adheres to local ordinances for distance from neighboring properties. Failure to do so can result in your addition being torn down and potentially extensive legal battles.

Professional Help

Get an architect. You may know exactly what you want, but a professional architect can draw up detailed plans for you. An architect will create your space, taking into account all of the particulars of your home.

Detailed Budget

Your architect is a great resource when creating a realistic budget. There are many details beyond the labor and materials that go into an addition, and your architect can help ensure you don’t miss anything.

Need vs. Want

When putting together your budget, make sure you include all of the necessities. Consider what is actually needed in the space before adding luxuries. This will help you stay within your budget.

Let Your Neighbors Know

Be courteous. Let your neighbors know that there will be traffic from construction vehicles, loud noise, and dust during your renovation. Construction vehicles may have to drive between houses and slightly onto your neighbor’s yard. Letting them know in advance will prepare them for any inconvenience they may experience.

Get Recommendations

Ask your architect, friends, and family members for recommendations for builders who are skilled at additions and renovations. Check online reviews, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau to ensure you are using a reputable contractor.

Think Utilities

Before you begin, meet with an HVAC contractor to make sure your current system can handle the load of your planned addition. If not, you may be looking at upgrades to your HVAC, which will need to be added to the budget.

This Is Not DIY

Additions are not DIY projects unless you happen to be a contractor. Home renovations are complicated, and additions are especially so. Your contractor will coordinate all of the necessary subcontractors to keep your job running smoothly and on schedule.

Financing

Ask your contractor if they offer financing deals. Many offer low-interest or low monthly payment financing plans to fit your needs.

Realistic Expectations

Be realistic about your budget, your needs vs. wants, and your overall expectations. You’ll be excited, as you should be, but the addition process takes time and will likely be disruptive as it is taking place. Ask your builder what to expect for each step of the project and keep that in mind as you move forward.

Quality Homes of Rochester offers remodeling services and additions for homes in Rochester, NY, and the surrounding areas. We offer financing plans to fit every budget. Contact us to get started today.

Your bathroom can be more than a space for personal care—it can be a refreshing mini-retreat.

Spa-Like Touches

Introduce design elements like river rock tiles in the shower, a teak bathmat, or a freestanding tub with a window view. Add an outdoors element by choosing a rainwater showerhead and allowing the water to feel like soft rainfall.

Natural Ventilation

Add an operable window or solar-powered skylight to naturally promote airflow and reduce humidity. A ventilation system or fan is essential for reducing moisture. Clean your vent of dust or buildup to ensure moisture is not trapped in your bathroom, which can lead to mildew or mold buildup.

Soothing Scents

Essential oil diffusers or lavender bundles in the shower smell incredible, mirroring nature’s sensory experiences. Try tying eucalyptus in your shower, releasing a minty, relaxing scent once the steam and humidity rise.

Styling with Biophilic Design in Mind

You don’t need a significant renovation to bring the benefits of biophilic interior design into your home. Wise styling choices can go a long way.

Incorporate Natural Forms

Curved lines, imperfect shapes, or patterns inspired by leaves, waves, or tree bark all show nature’s organic beauty. Look for these shapes in furniture, rugs, and light fixtures.

For example, a naturalistic style can be achieved by pairing an L-shaped couch or sectional in natural colors with a dark wooden coffee table and an earth-toned rug beneath.

Declutter and Let Spaces Breathe

Nature has rhythm and flow, and your space should, too. Avoid crowding surfaces and leave space around or between key features to create a sense of calm and openness.

Drawers or closets that blend in with the features of your room can be great places to put away essential items while keeping them close at hand.

Naturalistic Home Additions for Outdoor Access

sunroom before

sunroom after

A sunroom could be the perfect solution if you have a growing family or have always wanted a special place to retreat. This type of addition fits right in with naturalistic design principles, allowing access to sunlight, the breeze, and the outdoors while inside.

A sunroom or screened-in porch is the perfect combination of indoor coziness and the natural world’s beauty. Additionally, it can be a great place to host friends and family as the evening goes on without the annoyance of bugs.

At Quality Homes, our expert team has the knowledge and experience to handle all home additions and configurations. Whether you need an office, another bedroom, garage, screened-in porch, sunroom, or something different entirely, we can help!

Learn more about home additions in Rochester, NY.

Biophilic Decor

Consider elements like a tabletop fountain, driftwood sculptures, or art that features landscapes and natural scenes. Mirrors can reflect light and views, enhancing the presence of the outdoors. If you like fish, a fish tank or an outdoor koi pond (if it is warm enough for them year-round) would be a great addition to this style.

The Quality Homes Difference

Biophilic and naturalistic design invites nature’s essence into our daily lives. You can create a home that feels alive and supports your well-being. It can inspire everyone who enters with sunlight, wood, plants, and innovative design.

Start your home improvement journey with something easy. You could add a hanging plant or choose natural wood furniture in the kitchen. Then, build out from there, guided by nature’s wisdom and your vision.

Are you ready for a complete, naturally inspired redesign or addition? Contact us at Quality Homes and schedule a consultation with our designers today!

Get your quote today!