09/16/2026
What Homeowners Should Know Before Starting an Addition
· Find a reliable contractor with a trusted team.
o Look for a contractor who already has good working relationships with architects, electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors & other trades.
o A team that is accustomed to working together can make the project run smoothly.
· Get the contractor and architect involved early.
o Ideally, the homeowner, contractor & architect should work together during the design process.
o This helps ensure the design is practical to build, meets code requirements & fits the homeowner’s goals.
· Be prepared for the design to change.
o The original idea isn’t always exactly what gets built.
o Building codes, property setbacks, existing conditions, structural requirements & other unforeseen issues can require changes.
· Understand that one change can affect the entire project.
o For example, we recently had an addition that needed to be shortened by about three feet because of property-line requirements.
o That seemingly simple change affected the foundation and footings, material quantities, electrical layout & other parts of the project.
o Everything in construction is interconnected, which is why communication between everyone involved is so important.
· Keep an open and flexible mindset.
o Sometimes the best solution isn’t the original solution.
o Being willing to adjust the plan allows the contractor and design team to solve problems properly instead of forcing something that doesn’t work.
· Be realistic about timelines.
o Construction schedules can change because of inspections, material availability, subcontractor scheduling, holidays, weather, design changes & unforeseen conditions.
o This can be especially noticeable when working with a smaller construction company or crew.
· Good communication is crucial.
o Homeowners, contractors, architects & trades all need to communicate as the project develops.
o A reliable team, realistic expectations, patience, and good communication can make a complicated addition significantly easier for everyone involved.
