Dare to Dream — and Build

When Is The Right Time To Do A Home Addition?

by Marc Cole

You may find it difficult to determine the right time for home remodeling projects. It always seems like the wrong time, doesn't it? There's always something going on that prevents it from happening. That's because life doesn't stop. You don't want the mess during this family gathering or that, or you're dealing with something else going on, or you're not sure you can afford it, you're worried about finding a contractor, or any number of reasons.

As far as affordability goes, the first thing to do is to talk to your bank about financing for an addition. There are many options, you may find it easier than you think to get the financing you need to remodel your home. Many online tools will help you with estimating for such a thing, as well, if you're not quite ready to go that far. They won't be as accurate as a bank's analysis, but they will give you a rough idea of what to expect and may help you get to the point where you feel you can take on the expense.

As far as the rest, well, it's never going to be the right time. If you're waiting for the stars to align, you may be waiting for quite some time. Guests will understand about the mess, you'd be surprised how understanding people will be about such things. 

The real metric, besides affordability, is the need. If you need to expand your house- your family is expecting, perhaps. You are moving a relative in with your family and older relative that needs help caring for themselves, or perhaps an older child that left the nest but is coming home to help out, or because they need help. If you have a need, then the time is now. In times like these, it's important to remember that inaction is a decision in and of itself- the decision to wait may be right for you, but it is a decision, and it's important to weigh all the factors when reaching it.

Only you can decide if it's the right time to start adding on to your home, you know your needs best. Lay out for yourself why you need or want, the addition, what you can afford, and then find a contractor. Someone willing to work with you, and will work as hard as you would want to make sure that it's exactly right.   

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