Home Additions: 3 Tips for Hiring a Professional Company

Homeowners are spending more on home repairs and improvements than ever before, and spending could reach $430 billion by the end of the year. 

Adding home additions is one way to expand your house and give yourself some much-needed space, but it’s critical you do it right. That’s why you need to hire a professional company to handle the job. 

Here are three tips you should utilize if you’re planning to hire home addition contractors in the near future. 

1. Verify Insurance and Coverage

If you’re planning on shouldering the cost of a home addition, the last thing you need is to face is legal fees and complications on top of your projected construction costs. 

Make sure that the contractors you hire have surety bond coverage and liability insurance. All contractors should be bonded, licensed, and insured to prevent liability issues. 

Learn industry standards and find their credentials. Here are some common titles and memberships: 

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) membership 
• Certified graduate remodeler (CGR)
• Certified aging in place specialist (CAPS)
• Building Industry Association (BIA) membership

2. Check Testimonials and Reviews

Home additions are major investments, so you need to do your research before choosing a company. Take a look at their past clients, online reviews, and testimonials. Many times, you can find these on their website, but a quick Google search will also bring up reviews. 

Reputable companies are often happy to show you their past work and any testimonials they’ve received. These are reflections of quality work and great customer service. 

Talk to former clients or look at the results of the work to get an idea of what the company is capable of making. 

Extension contractors can help you expand your home, providing you with extra rooms or valuable living space. A professional contractor is devoted to their work and happy to go over your home addition ideas. 

3. Get the Contract in Writing

Always get your contract in writing, so you’ll have a hard copy in the event that anything goes wrong. The contract should include the following details: 

• The home addition cost and payment arrangements
• Detailed timelines for the job
• The contractor’s license number
• A description of the project
• A list of all parties involved
• Plans for any additional costs 

You’ll discuss your home addition plans first and have the project outlined in detail in the contract. There should also be a timeline in the contract, as well as a payment schedule. Having all these details worked out in advance will provide you with peace of mind and give you an idea of when to expect progress. 

Of course, there’s always a chance unexpected costs can come up, which is why it’s important to discuss this in advance with your contractor. How will you handle these expenses, and how might they affect the timeline? Be sure to talk about this. 

Home Additions You’ll Love

Home additions can transform your home from a cramped space into your dream house. Whether you need the extra room for a work area, a bedroom, or extra living space, an addition can solve many of your problems. 

Take a look at some of our other home improvement articles to discover additional tips like these!