Choosing a Design-Build Contractor for Your Home Addition
Why Design-Build?
Design-Build streamlines the entire remodel process – one point of contact for everything from initial communication to estimates and project wrap-up, and everything in between. When hiring a Design-Build contractor for your remodel project, you're hiring your designer and your builder in one.
This streamlined process boasts significant streamlining of communication, giving homeowners a single point of contact to communicate their ideas, budget, and expectations. This diminishes the potential for miscommunication between the homeowner and the builder, and provides peace of mind that the entire team is on the same page.
Why Design-Build Is Better
How to Choose a Home Addition Contractor in D.C. & Northern Virginia
When choosing a contractor for your home addition in Northern VA or NW Washington D.C., first check with your personal network. Word-of-mouth is a good way to get first-hand information and opinions from past clients. If you have family or friends local to your area that recently completed a remodeling project, were they pleased with their contractor of choice? Ask for referrals!
Websites like Houzz.com and Angie's List are also great tools to utilize in your search for a contractor. There, you can view contractors in your area, their project galleries, and learn more about the experience and values of each company.
Once you've narrowed down your list, request a meeting with the contractor(s) to receive more information, and ask any questions you may have. Continue reading for some suggestions on what to ask when hiring a Design-Build remodeling contractor during your initial meeting.
Home Addition FAQ's
Are home additions worth it?
The only person who can answer that question is you! Do you feel as though your home or certain rooms in your home require more space for your family to live comfortably? If so, then the answer is most likely yes. Be sure to speak with a professional and experienced contractor before making your decision, to ensure you are being guided in the right direction based on your needs, expectations, and budget
Is it better to add on, or build up?What is better is entirely dependent on your needs, but when taking into consideration price per square footage, building up is – at the base level – more cost-effective, as it does not require foundation work. Though that isn't to take away from the importance of adding on, as outward additions can be the most practical, or the best use of space to achieve your vision. There is no right or wrong answer!
What is a bump-out addition? What is a traditional addition?A bump-out addition is the bumping out of an already existing room, whereas a traditional addition usually implies the creation of an entirely new room or space within your home. A great example of bump-out additions are adding more space to your kitchen by creating a small addition allowing you to extend your counter space and add an island to your newly-freed-up area. An example of a traditional addition would be a sunroom, in-law suite, or the creation of an entirely new master suite.
What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them to complete an addition?Protecting yourself – and the investment you are making into your home – is key. To protect that investment, working with a contractor who is experienced, professional, and informed is your best form of insurance. Here are some questions to ask potential contractors, whether you're hiring for a bathroom, kitchen, whole home, addition, or any other remodeling project:
