Many people decide to build extra to create additional room in their home. This is not a small undertaking. It is complex and will take a great deal of time. If you consider doing it, there are things you should know before starting a home addition in Ottawa.
First things first.
Some people might think doing the work themselves is a great idea, but before beginning, you will need to know and have all the tools necessary to complete the project, which we will outline in just a bit. There are also materials to order as well as equipment like excavation vehicles. While contractors have all of this on hand, it will significantly add to the budget. A contractor’s crew will take about two to four weeks of eight-hour workdays, but you need to allocate much more if you are doing it yourself, especially if it is only in your spare time. Add to the time factor are delays waiting for inspections by the locals and delays in material deliveries.
Here is a list of what you will need:
- Foundation tools
- Framing carpentry tools
- Roofing tools
- Finish carpentry tools
- Plumbing tools
- Wiring tools
- HVAC tools
- Foundation materials
- Framing lumber
- Floor, wall, and roof sheathing
- Various fasteners
- Plumbing materials and fixtures
- Electrical materials and equipment
- HVAC system components
- Windows and doors
- Interior floor, wall, and ceiling finishes
- Cabinets or other built-ins
- Exterior siding and trim
- Roofing and gutters
- Paint and other finish materials
Budgeting is key.
Always start with a budget. Speak with contractors in your area to get an idea of the cost, which will depend on the scale of the project and going rates in your community. Once you have a firm grip on the price, seek financing. This can be a line of credit, loan, second mortgage, etc. If you owe 85% or more on your current mortgage, you will find funding difficult to secure. In some cases, you can borrow against a retirement fund. It is best to speak with a financial advisor and tax consultant.
Getting help.
It is important to find a good, professional, licensed general contractor if you decide to get someone else to do the work. This is a person or company that will have access to all of the specialty crews you will need, like foundation work, HVAC, electrical, and so on. Be sure to have a signed contract in place before beginning. Ask about any discounts if you can do some of the work yourself. It can be as simple as a nightly clean-up or painting the walls when it is time. The downpayment should be 50% or less with payments after milestones. The final installment is after approval of the final walk-through.
The general process includes:
- Permits
- Site Preparation
- Foundation
- Framing
- Roofing
- Windows and Doors
- Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC
- Insulation and Drywall
- Interior
- Final Connections
In the end, there will be some minor items that will need to be finished, paint touchups, etc. When the inspections are approved and you are satisfied, you get to move in.
Contact Highbridge Construction for home additions!
If you are reading this, it probably means you are thinking about investing in a home addition. There is no easier way to do it than hiring a good contractor. Highbridge Construction is a great choice to work on your home addition in Ottawa. We have years of experience and always put our customers first. The first step is to sit down with one of our experts and talk about your vision. Once we understand what you are looking for, we will provide you with a free estimate. We will work with you to ensure the project stays within your budget and timeline. The next step is to get started on the construction. We will keep you updated throughout the process and make sure you are happy with the progress. .