Whether you’ve been in your home for years and it’s time to remodel or you found a home that’s in the right location but needs some changes, a whole-home remodel might be the solution. Of course, if your family is growing and your home isn’t quite big enough, a home addition might be what you need. Often an addition comes with a home remodel. With any major change to the size or layout of your home, there are things you may need that you don’t realize until you and your remodeler start talking about budget.
Updating Everything to Code
Depending on what you’re doing, you may need to update all the wiring for electrical and plumbing in the home to meet today’s code. Many homeowners understand that when they purchase an older home, they plan on renovating. However, one change you may not know is likely required is upgrading your home’s insulation. That means if you replace the siding on the whole home because of a home addition, you may have to install a whole-home insulative wrap. If you build out a space in the home that was previously unfinished, you’ll need insulation on any exterior walls plus the attic space above it. All of these can add to your budget.
The Heating & Cooling System
Heating and cooling systems, whether gas or electric, were meant to heat and cool a specific size home with a limited number of vents. During a whole-home remodel, some vents may need to be moved. With a home addition, you may need to replace your HVAC system in order for it to have the power to heat and cool the new square footage of your home. If the unit is relatively new and your addition is a separate area, like an attic or room above the garage that you’re creating, you may want to ask about a ductless mini-split system.
Your Roof
This is one to consider most often for a home addition. If your asphalt shingle roof is more than 10 years old, it can be difficult to find shingles that match the rest of the home. And, even if you do, you’ll realize that you need to replace the rest of the roof in just a few years. Architectural shingles may be a good investment now due to their longer life, greater insulative properties and other benefits.
New Flooring
If your whole-home remodel includes removing walls for an open-concept plan, you need to have a plan for your floors. Even if you have hardwood floors and the remodeler finds the same wood species in the same board width, you’ll need to refinish the entire space. If your home addition is directly attached to the main living space, you’ll need to consider how new flooring will work with what you have currently.
Contact G.M. Roth Design Remodeling for Assistance
If you’re not sure of the best solution to your needs, let G.M. Roth provide you with a free consultation. We can talk through the pros and cons of a home addition, whole-home remodel or if we see another option that may make more sense, we’ll suggest that too. We have been trusted remodelers throughout Nashua and Manchester for more than 30 years, and also serve northern Massachusetts. Call us today to schedule your free consultation at (603) 880-3761 or fill out our contact form.
