Have you outgrown your DC metro area home? If you love your location, a home addition may be the answer. While many homeowners decide to build on to the back of their homes, for some — whether they lack the yard space, already have a pool or fantastic outdoor living area, or a layout where it just doesn’t make sense — a side addition is more realistic.
If you’re considering a side addition, it’s important to note that they are more complex than other additions and have a unique set of challenges to overcome. For this reason, it’s especially important to find a quality, professional remodeler to help you through the process. Here are four challenges you may face when crafting a side addition and how a professional design-build firm can help:
Challenge #1: Side additions need to be seamless
There’s no hiding a side addition, so it’s important that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your house. Find a remodeler who knows how to design the addition to look like it was always there. This will include factoring in roof pitches and angles, matching architectural styles, materials, and more.
Challenge #2: Special permits may be needed
One of the biggest challenges with side additions is navigating zoning restrictions. We’ve heard horror stories of homeowners hiring unlicensed contractors to save money, only to discover later that their addition doesn’t meet tangled and complicated zoning requirements. When that happens, the structure needs to be completely torn down and rebuilt to the right specifications. Making sure your plans fall within regulations and obtaining permits can be a difficult process, but hiring a knowledgeable, experienced design-build firm takes that pressure away. Ask potential remodelers if they’re familiar with your municipality’s regulations and how to obtain special permits or variances if necessary.
Challenge #3: Financing can be complex
Even the best-laid plans can come crashing down if you can’t get the right loan. Fortunately, experienced professionals often have established relationships with lenders who understand the construction process. They’ll work together to make sure there are no issues that would prevent you from getting your loan and getting started on your project.
Challenge #4: Sometimes side additions just won’t work
Sometimes a side addition is simply not possible. Look for a remodeler who will be upfront with you and suggest other solutions such as building up, reconfiguring the existing layout, or even moving into a bigger house if that’s the only option. Whatever you decide, having this information before you get too far into the process will save a lot of time and headaches.
The Bottom Line: For homeowners armed with knowledge and a team of experienced professionals, a side addition could be a great way to add more space. Take care, however; not all remodelers are capable of these tricky transformations. Looking for a good place to start? Tabor Design Build has more than 25 years of experience with complex DC-area home additions. We’ve earned several awards and near-perfect ratings on sites like Houzz and GuildQuality, but we don’t stop there — we offer a comprehensive warranty, so you can rest assured your addition will be perfect.
Contact us to learn more or find out if Tabor could be a good fit for you.
