10 Things Homeowners Forget To Budget For When Planning An Extension
Permits
Even if your ability to build an extension is good, adding extra square footage to your house can be difficult. Homeowners Forget often neglect to budget for permits when adding an extension. While permits for small projects, such as electrical and plumbing, can be $50 to $300, they can easily run into the thousands for larger renovations or remodels.
Hiring an engineer or architect
An engineer or architect might be required to create plans for your extension depending on the complexity and size of your project. Home Advisor reports that structural engineers typically charge between $100 to $200 per hour. Home Advisor reports, “For large remodels or new construction, 1 percent to 20% of the total construction cost is paid to the structural engineer, or $1500 to $20,000.”
Furniture and Appliances
Make sure to include costs for decorating or filling out the new room. You should consider adding an oven and refrigerator to your second kitchen. For those who are adding a bathroom, you will need to consider a vanity, sink and toilet. How about another bedroom? For the first bedroom, you will need a bed, dresser and nightstands. For personal touches to your space, you will likely want art or picture frames.
Unexpected electrical or plumbing issues
You don’t know what weird problems might lurk behind your walls. There might be plumbing or electrical issues that you don’t know about if you add an extension to your house. Plan for a buffer just in case there are any problems during your extension.
Dumpster rental
Although this may not apply to all home improvements, if you plan to tear down walls or perform major demolition work to make way for your new addition then you should consider renting a dumpster to carry all of the debris. According to Dumpsters.com the national average cost for a dumpster rental is approximately $450
Hiring a Project manager
A project manager is not necessary to save money on extensions. Project managers are responsible for hiring and scheduling subcontractors to help with specific projects. You may save thousands or even hundreds of thousands if you’re comfortable hiring them yourself, depending on how large the project is.
Groundworks/Foundations/Slab
Foundation work is the most costly portion of an extension. Consider these factors when deciding if an extension is right to your home.
Landscaping
Although this may not apply to everyone who adds an extension, there might be some landscaping that needs to be done around the house. You should plan for dirt, plants and stones if you have to.
Fixtures and finishes
You should think carefully about the finishes and fixtures you will need for your home addition. There are many things you will need for your home addition, including faucets, lighting and flooring. There are some items that project managers may charge extra for. You can save money by purchasing fixtures and finishes on sale or secondhand.
Roof costs
The roof is likely to be second in cost after foundation work. This is especially true for rooms that are not in the same shape as the existing home or don’t seamlessly integrate with the new one.
Additional Resource:
https://www.sleepingdogproperties.com/perspectives/difference-remodeling-renovating/
https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/trends/things-not-to-do-when-remodeling-your-home/
https://www.marvistadesignbuild.com/whole-home-remodeling
