Growing your family is an exciting time of life. It fills your home with more joy and warmth, but sometimes you need a little more space to spread the love. While some families might choose to purchase a new home, it may be best for your family to build an addition.
For more frugal types, this may seem like a daunting commitment. But it doesn’t have to be! With some money-saving know how and a solid plan, you can expand your home without expanding your budget.
“A home addition can help raise the value of your home and create more living space,” Jennifer Hench writes on The Nest. “You want to make sure that you get the best possible price for the building materials and for the work being done. Doing so will help you save money on the total cost of the project.”
When planning your addition, consider the following tips to save cash without sacrificing quality.
Only build what you need.
While designing your addition, consider what space you actually need. The smaller the space, the less it will cost, so consider how you can maximize storage and minimize space. If you are looking for more creative ways to use space wisely, consider partnering with an architect. They might be able to see the true potential of your space.
Invest in energy efficiency.
Remember that you aren’t just trying to save money on the physical construction of your project. You also have an opportunity to create savings down the line. Optimize the room’s lighting by adding large windows. And since about 45% of the average energy bill goes toward heating, according to the Department of Energy, choose quality windows that can seal in this air. By reducing energy costs, you can slim your entire budget. You may even decide to apply these changes to the rest of your home as well.
DIY what you can.
While it’s wise to hire contractors and other professionals to do the building and technical work, there may be places where you can do some of the labor. You may be able to do your own demolition, painting, and flooring installation. By doing some of the work yourself, you can cut some labor costs out of the addition budget.
Choose better building materials.
Remember that investing now will save you money later. For example, there are more than 15 types of siding. Work with a professional to choose a durable type. This way, you won’t have to replace it multiple times while you live in the home. Cheap materials aren’t affordable materials when you have to buy them three times over.
Shop around for contractors.
When you are on a budget, it can be tempting to hire the first contractor you find who fits your standards and price range. But in this case, take your time. Make a list of options and analyze the different aspects of their costs. Choose the contractor who offers the most value for their service price.
Above all, be sure to plan out the entire project before you start building. By doing so, you can plan ever aspect of the building process around your budget, rather than hitting a money wall halfway through. By taking your time and considering every detail, you will end up with an addition that fits your family’s needs and your budget.