Who would not be excited by adding some new feature out of something old for their home? You must be excited. It’s a part of human nature that we can not avoid. By having a home addition, you end up gaining more space, and getting an update on your room. Additionally, you can have a completely new space. Keeping all this in mind, one challenge comes when you want to estimate how long your home addition takes. The estimates are always hard to develop. In some cases, it creates anxiety for the homeowner. This is because you are never sure how long you have to live with the construction or in a hotel or temporary rental. This article will help you learn how long a home addition takes.
The amount of time it takes to complete a home addition can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. Generally speaking, smaller projects like a sunroom can take 2 months, but doesn’t really count as a new addition. Alternatively, larger projects like a master suite or in-law suite can take up to a year or more.
Factors that determine how long a home addition takes
There are a number of factors that can affect the timeline of home addition. They include the time of year the project begins and the weather. Other factors include the availability of materials and labor and the complexity of the design. In some cases, unforeseen delays can occur, which can lengthen the project timeline. Below is a vivid description of the factors.
1. The time of year the home addition begins
The time of year the project begins can have an impact on the timeline of a home addition. For example, starting a project in the winter may mean that there is less daylight available for construction. This can lengthen the timeline.
2. The weather
The weather can also impact the timeline of a home addition. For example, if the weather is very hot, construction workers may need to take more breaks. This can lengthen the timeline. Additionally, if it rains a lot, the ground can become too wet to work on. This can slow down the construction of a home addition. On the other hand, favorable weather conditions ensure that the project might finish at the desired time.
3. The availability of materials and labor
If the materials needed for the project are not readily available, they can lengthen the timeline. This can also happen when there is a shortage of labor or materials. This can cause delays and may make the project take longer than originally planned.
4. The complexity of the design
If the design is very complex, it may take longer to complete the project. It simply takes more time to plan and build.
Steps that determine how long your home addition will take
Assuming that all goes according to plan, here are the steps to ensure you complete your home addition on time
1. Determine what type of addition you want
There are three main types of home additions: dormers, extensions, and second stories. Dormers are small additions that extend out from the slope of the roof and typically add a window. Extensions are larger additions that extend out from the side of the house and add extra square footage. The second stories are completely new levels on top of the existing first story. Basically the complexity of each project determines the timeline.
2. Determine where you want to build.
The location of the addition will impact the cost, the amount of work required, and the amount of time it will take to complete the project. For example, building an addition onto an existing foundation will be less expensive and less time-consuming than starting from scratch.
3. Demolition of any old existing structures
After you determine where to build you can start off the additional project right away. In this case, first, demolish any existing structures that will be in the way of the new addition. This can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the project.
4. Start construction on the foundation of the addition
Once the demolition is complete, the next step is to start construction on the foundation of the addition. This can take several weeks, depending on the type of foundation being used. Once the foundation is complete, framing of the walls and roof can begin. This step can also take several weeks to complete.
5. Complete the exterior of the home addition
After finishing the framing, the builders proceed with completing the exterior. This includes putting up siding, installing windows and doors, and doing any necessary landscaping. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, this step can take several weeks to a few months.
6. Complete the interior
Once the exterior of the addition is complete, the interior can be finished. This includes painting, installing flooring, trim, and cabinets, and hooking up any plumbing or electrical work that is needed. This step can take several weeks to a few months.
7. Perform the few final touches
Once the interior is complete, the project is essentially finished. However, there are a few final touches that need to be done, such as putting in the final grade around the perimeter of the addition and planting grass or other landscaping. These final steps can take a few weeks to a few months.
Assuming that all goes according to plan, a home addition can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to complete. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the timeline, so it is important to discuss the project with a contractor before getting started.
A home addition is a great way to add some extra space, update your home, or even add a completely new room. The how long a home addition takes can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. Smaller projects can be completed in 4-6 months, while larger projects can take up to a year or more. However, by working with a contractor and being aware of the potential risks and delays, you can ensure that your home addition is completed on time and to your satisfaction. For more information you can contact us.
