There are many different ways you can add a room to your home without spending a fortune. From finishing a basement to adding an in-law suite, these ideas will help you make the most of your home’s existing space without breaking the bank.
Effective planning can significantly reduce room addition costs. By working with a contractor and using materials that are cost-effective and energy-efficient, you can avoid overbuilding and save money on your project.
Tips to keep room addition costs in check, including budgeting, choosing the right materials, hiring skilled contractors, and avoiding common pitfalls. Maximize your investment with ASL remodeling.
1. Start with a Plan
If you want to add a room to your home, it’s important to start with a plan. This means creating a budget and understanding the process involved. It’s also a good idea to exhaust other ways of adding space before making the final decision to build a room addition.
It’s also a good idea to shop around for contractors before hiring one for your project. While you should focus on finding a contractor with experience, price shouldn’t be your only concern.
A low estimate may be an indication that the contractor doesn’t understand your project and is bidding on a scaled-down version of your vision.
Additionally, be sure to factor in any costs for debris removal and waste disposal. Some contractors may charge extra for this, so it’s important to find out ahead of time.
You can save money on these fees by donating or hauling unwanted items yourself. Also, try to reuse things you already have such as repurposing mason jars or using old books to make a flower vase.
2. Keep It Simple
As a homeowner, you want your rooms to reflect who you are. However, too many possessions and knick-knacks can make your space feel cluttered and choppy. So, keep things simple with a few framed family portraits and some art that portrays your style.
It’s also important to limit the complexity of the room design. Odd lengths, elaborate shapes, and multiple sharp corners will add to your contractor’s labor costs. Creating a simple room design will help keep your build costs down.
Adding a sunroom is one of the most cost-effective room additions you can make. This type of room is built with glass walls and sliding windows, which saves on building materials and labor costs.
It’s also a great way to expand your home without adding a full room. This way, you can still enjoy your home’s ambiance and increase its value when you’re ready to sell. Plus, you’ll get a beautiful new entertaining space.
3. Don’t Over-Customize
When building a room, it’s easy to go overboard on stylistic choices. However, over-customizing can not only compromise your budget but also damage resale value down the road. For example, if you build an expensive floor-to-ceiling saltwater aquarium into your living room, you may have trouble selling your house in the future.
A good way to avoid over-customizing is to keep your design simple. Odd sizes, uneven lengths, and complex designs will increase costs for materials and labor.
For instance, standard two by fours are eight feet long, so adding ten-foot lengths will require a lot of extra materials that can add up quickly.
The right addition can transform your home into a luxurious space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
However, it’s important to have a plan in place before beginning your project to minimize spending. Working with a dependable contractor is essential to keeping costs low and avoiding costly mistakes during your project.
4. Look for Deals
Adding a room can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the overall cost. You can find deals on materials, labor, and other expenses when you shop around and look for coupons or sales.
You can also splurge in some areas while saving money on other premium features by making smart choices about which features to prioritize when constructing your new room.
Using your imagination and seeking inspiration from home-design magazines can help you make the most of your budget.