Adding square footage to an existing structure is a fantastic way to enhance your home's functionality and bump up the resale value of your South Dakota property.
Planning is the most important aspect of home renovations, whether expanding your living space; adding a new bedroom, bathroom, or office; or building a sunroom to enjoy those bright, sunny days.
We understand how stressful breaking ground on a new remodeling project can be. It's overwhelming having to source multiple subcontractors, obtain zoning permission, set a realistic budget, choose paint colors, and decide on the final exterior finishes.
Luckily, we've got some expert tips to ensure a smooth and successful home addition project.
Before starting your new home addition, you need to know what type of extension you want and what it will be used for.
It's worth thinking beyond your immediate needs (e.g. will your family grow?) and designing a flexible space that allows for future adjustments/remodels.
Here are some suggestions:
Once you know what the new space will be used for, you require planning permission and zoning permits.
Building permits are non-negotiable. Skipping this step can lead to costly delays, fines, or even put your construction project on hold. Here's how to navigate South Dakota's zoning regulations, ensuring compliance with local building codes.
The first step is to understand your property's zoning assignment. This will determine what types of additions are allowed and any size restrictions. Contact your local planning and zoning department to obtain this information.
Here are a few references:
Each municipality in South Dakota has its own permit requirements for home additions. These can include:
The specific permits needed will depend on the complexity of your addition. You must submit:
Additionally, make sure you have a copy of your current property's plot plans (from your local registry/Registry of Deeds office) to ensure the home extension does not breach property lines or encroach on neighbors.
Building fees typically range between $150 and $7,500 but vary based on the value of the construction project. These fees are used to cover the cost of reviewing the plans and conducting inspections.
Pro insight: Work must begin within 180 days of the permit being issued.
It's worth telling your neighbors about your home renovations, especially when it comes to second-story additions or building structures near boundary walls/property lines.
The last thing you want is for a disgruntled neighbor to report your renovation to the local zoning office, which can cause severe construction delays.
Inspections at various stages of construction are required once permits have been applied for and after the construction has been done. Be sure to schedule these inspections well in advance to avoid delays. A qualified general contractor can help you navigate this process.
Pro insight: Final inspection (post-construction) costs range between $200 and $500.
Many homeowners opt for professional services to help navigate zoning regulations and the permitting process. Hiring a licensed architect, HVAC contractor, design professional, and/or general contractor familiar with South Dakota building codes can save you time, money, and frustration.
You can set your budget once permits and zoning requirements have been approved.
Budgeting is the cornerstone of any successful renovation or building project. It ensures you stay on track financially.
The cost of a home addition can vary significantly, ranging from $4,300 for small projects to up to $150,000+ for large-scale home renovations.
You must have sufficient funding to complete the entire scope of work, whether it's from personal savings or applying for a payment schedule through a home equity loan.
Once your budget is set, you can begin the design process.
Now that you've considered your needs, local regulations, and budget, it's time to bring your vision to life! Here's how you can design an addition that complements your existing home and thrives in South Dakota's unique seasons:
South Dakota boasts beautiful sunny days. Large windows, skylights, bump-out additions, dormers, and sunrooms can maximize natural light and create a bright and inviting atmosphere.
South Dakota experiences harsh winters and snowfall. Prepare for this weather with these design tips:
Strive for a seamless transition between your existing home and the addition. Consider replicating rooflines (and roofing materials), walls, windows, doors, and overall aesthetics for a cohesive look.
Long-lasting building materials and finishes ensure your foundation, walls, windows, doors, and design style last for years to come. Opting for a neutral color palette for the shell - walls, floors, counters, cabinets - prevents the design, build, and decor from outdating too quickly.
Here's a list of strong, durable materials:
Hire professionals to bring your design ideas to life.
A successful home addition hinges on skilled professionals. While DIY jobs may be rewarding, professional contractors, such as Sioux Falls Home Remodeling, offer peace of mind.
Here's why hiring a general contractor (and other professionals) is important:
Our friends at Baywater (amazing custom home builders) recommend avoiding these common home addition mistakes:
This can lead to costly delays and fines.
Solution:
A low budget and/or unexpected costs can derail your project.
Solution:
Clear communication is key to ensuring a smooth new home addition for you and the general contractor.
Solution:
American home additions cost around $46,000, as per the 2023 national average.
The best home additions include a second story, basement and attic/loft conversions, and patio enclosures.
In our opinion: Yes!
A home addition is a great way to increase your home's size (i.e. square footage) without the stress of moving to a bigger property. However, home extensions are a costly investment that requires careful consideration. You must ensure the current property is suitable for additional builds.
So, there you have it - a complete rundown of the best home addition tips and how to action them.
Careful planning, having the correct zoning, and a realistic budget are the most important aspects for the success of your new space; whether it's a single-room addition, bathroom extension, or complete home renovation.
Chat with the Sioux Falls Home Remodeling team today: South Dakota's #1 home remodeling company.
Happy renovating!