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Issues to consider when you construct a room addition by yourself

Analyzing the issues of a DIY room addition project

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Planning an addition to your home can be exciting, but there are also many elements you should consider. DIY room addition projects require significant planning in order to achieve the desired result and a seamless appearance with the rest of your home.

Understanding the various elements involved in residential remodeling can help you obtain the best result and stay within your budget. Reply! can assist by providing you with critical information about the most important elements involved in DIY remodeling.

One of the most important factors to keep in mind when you are planning the addition of a room to your home is that a room addition typically involves many of the same factors that can be found in new home construction:

  • DIY room installationFraming
  • Footers
  • Permitting
  • Zoning
  • Flooring
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • New windows

While services like plumbing can be avoided in a living room addition, there are still many services that simply cannot be avoided, such as electrical and framing. After understanding the full scope of a room addition, it is important to take existing factors into consideration.

For instance, consider the structure of your existing home. Is the overall structure sturdy? Are there load-bearing walls in the area where you plan to build the addition? You will need to carefully investigate these areas to determine whether temporary supports will be required during the construction stage. The framing style of your existing home will determine the type of temporary supports that will be required.

Cost is a natural concern for most people when planning a home addition. While choosing to handle a room addition on your own can eliminate the cost of hiring a contractor, it is important to keep in mind that, even with a DIY addition, the final cost will be based on the complexity, size, and system requirements of your room addition. Purchasing materials in bulk for your home addition is one way to save money because bulk purchases typically cost less per unit.

Room additions that require electrical and plumbing work will benefit from the insight of an experienced professional, but may also require professional installation. Prior to beginning any room addition on your home, make it a point to consult your local building codes.

Remember that attempting to handle the addition of certain services in your new room addition, including electrical, can prove dangerous and may not meet local building codes. If you live in a homeowner's association, it will also be important to check your HOA guidelines regarding additions to your home as well. 

Remodeling your home to include a room addition can certainly be a big undertaking.  A well-planned room addition can actually pay for itself in the long term by boosting the value of your home's value and extending your home's square footage. Carefully planning room additions, with DIY included, and considering all of the many facets involved in a DIY remodeling project can help to ensure a successful project.

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