Have you begun to feel as though your Wilton CT home is starting to shrink? Whether by adding a new family member or because your children are growing up and need more space, you may begin to feel the walls closing in.
One way to add more space to your home is by building an addition above your garage.
An addition above the garage is a great way to add extra living space without doing a complete home renovation. Not only can you use the extra space for various purposes, but you can also save money on construction costs by utilizing your existing garage structure.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about adding an addition above your garage.
Basics of Adding Space Above the Garage
If you are considering adding a potential second story above your garage, there are a few things you will need to take into account before starting the project. The following tips will help to make sure that your addition is done correctly and efficiently:
- Check Your Garage’s Foundation
The first thing you will need to do is to have your garage’s foundation checked. Suppose your garage was not originally built with the intention of having a second story added on. In that case, it is important to ensure that the foundation can support the weight of an additional level. - Get the Right Permits
Before starting any construction, it is crucial to ensure that you have the proper permits. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to obtain a building permit from your city or county. Remodeling Consultants can do that for you. - Choose the Right Materials
When choosing materials for your addition, it is important to select ones that will complement the existing structure of your home.
For example, if the structure is made of brick, you will want to use materials that will match the brick on your home’s exterior. - Hire a Professional Contractor
Adding an addition to your home is a big undertaking. Not only do you need to worry about the construction itself, but you also need to ensure that all the necessary permits are in place.
A professional contractor, like Remodeling Consultants, will be able to help you with the entire process, from getting the necessary permits to selecting the right materials for your project. - Set a Budget
Before starting any construction project, it is vital to set a budget. This will help to ensure that you do not overspend on your addition.
When setting a budget for your project, you will need to take into account the cost of materials, the cost of labor, and any permits or fees that may be required.
Challenges of Garage Additions
While the process of adding an addition above your garage may seem relatively straightforward, there are a few challenges you should be aware of.
One of the biggest challenges is getting the addition to match the rest of your home.
If your home is made of brick and mortar, finding materials that will match the existing exterior can be challenging. As a result, you may need to hire a professional to help you with the construction.
Another challenge you may face is finding the right contractor. Not all contractors are experienced in building garage additions, so it’s essential to do your research before hiring someone.
Finally, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of permits and inspections when budgeting for your addition.
While the cost of an addition above your garage may be less than a complete home renovation, it’s still important to factor in the costs before you begin construction.
Keep these challenges in mind as you plan your addition, and be sure to work with a qualified contractor to avoid any potential problems.
Advantages of Garage Additions
Still not sure if an addition above your garage is right for you? Here are some of the advantages of this type of home addition:
Increased living space: One of the obvious advantages of an addition is that it will increase your home’s living space. Whether you use it as a home office, an extra bedroom, or a playroom, the extra space will be a welcome addition to your home.
Added value: An addition above your garage can also add value to your home. If you ever decide to sell, potential buyers will be impressed by the extra living space and may be willing to pay more for your home.
More options: Building an entirely new wing onto your home can be a big undertaking. But if you’re not ready for a complete renovation, an addition above your garage is a great alternative. It’s a less invasive way to add extra space to your home.
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that an addition above your garage is a popular home improvement project.
This may be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to add extra living space to your home. Just be sure to keep the challenges and costs in mind before you begin construction.
Other Things to Think About
Not only should you consider the challenges and advantages of an addition above your garage, but there are also a few other things you should keep in mind.
Here are a few additional factors to think about before starting construction on your new addition:
What is the purpose of the addition?
Before starting construction, you should know what you want to use the addition for. This will help you determine the size and layout of the new space.
What is the current size of your garage?
One important factor to consider is the size of your garage. If you have a small garage, you may not have enough space to build a large addition.
What type of garage do you have?
Another factor to think about is the type of garage you have. If you have an attached garage, it may be easier to build an addition. However, connecting the new addition to your home may be more difficult if you have a detached garage.
Remodeling Consultants for Garage Additions & More
Now is the perfect time to have us help you with your home improvement needs. Remodeling Consultants have proudly served Westchester County, NY and along the NY border in CT, including the towns of New Canaan, Greenwich, Westport, Wilton, and Stamford for over 55 years.
Contact us today in Westchester or Fairfield County. You can call our New York office at (914) 381-6900 or our Connecticut office at (203) 321-1250.
