Adding onto your Los Angeles home with a home addition is an excellent way to create more living or storage space and accommodate a growing family. And the best part is that you can get these benefits without having to move and leave behind a home or neighborhood that you love! But a home addition is still a large, noisy and disruptive project, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Here are some tips for preparing yourself and your space for a home addition.
1. Check Your Zoning Laws
When adding onto your Los Angeles home, you have two options: You can build up or out. If you’re planning to build out, you need to know how close you may legally get to the property line and where underground utilities run. You can get this information from your local zoning department. At this time, also obtain a copy of the property survey.
2. List Your Reasons for the Addition
Home additions cost a lot of money, so you want to make sure that you’re spending your budget wisely. Some of the most common reasons why homeowners in L.A. choose an addition are:
- Toys are everywhere
- Unable to see the kids playing while in the kitchen
- Need for extra bedrooms
- Need for a dedicated home office
- Tight spaces – difficulty hosting holidays and gatherings
- Changing family needs – child moving back home, in-laws moving in, etc.
3. Determine Your Must-Haves
When you know why a home addition is necessary, you can start listing out your must-haves. This will make it easier to budget for the things you absolutely need. Then make a list of the things that would be nice to have. If you have room left in your budget, you can possibly add a few of these items.
4. Establish a Budget
You may need to do some research to determine what a realistic budget is for your project. In Los Angeles, average room addition costs are around $300-$400 per square feet depending on the materials used. Keep in mind that building and labor costs are at all-time highs right now as well – these are just average numbers.
5. Choose Your Home Contractor
Do your research when choosing a home remodeling company in Los Angeles. Some companies have architects and designers on staff, while others do not. But you will need both a builder and an architect to bring your vision to life.
Ask for recommendations, read online reviews and testimonials and interview several companies. The more professionals you involve early on, the smoother things will go.
6. Design Your Space
Your design team will help you design the space to your needs and preferences. They can “see” spaces in ways others can’t, so their input will be helpful. During the design phase, you’ll want to consider how the changes will impact the traffic flow in your home. Once the design is approved, your team will draw the final blueprints and obtain the necessary permits.
7. Handle the Logistics
Now it’s time to prepare for the actual work. On average, home additions take at least four months to complete. Start packing and storing items outside the construction zone. Arrange for child care and pet care as needed, and create a meal plan if you won’t be able to access your kitchen regularly.
If your home no longer accommodates your family and lifestyle, a home addition may be worth it! More people are choosing this option because of low housing inventory, high prices and increasing interest rates. It makes sense to stay put and improve their current home! Contact Kavin Construction to discuss your interest in a home addition.
