Month: March 2024

Expanding your living space can be an exciting venture, adding functionality and beauty to your home. However, it can take time, depending on the scope of your project in Barrington, and the expertise of your specialists in custom room additions. Your designer should provide you with a set of plans that outline the entire project, including all the modifications, methods, products, and materials involved. Let’s explore the main stages of your project and how long each of them may take. 

How do you plan a room addition?

You’ll work with your designer or architect to develop detailed plans, discussing your budget, goals, as well as your desired timeline. This step is important to ensure the project meets your specific requirements and is in compliance with the local building codes. Once you’ve finalized the plans, it’s time to obtain all the necessary permits from the building department after which your team will begin the work:

Foundation

Laying the foundation for your structure can take up to 3 weeks, with the first step being excavation where technicians use heavy machinery to secure a level space for the foundation. Then follows the placement of concrete forms which an inspector will check for code compliance. Concrete is finally poured once the inspection is successfully completed. 

During the following week, there won’t be much construction activity as it takes about 7 days for the concrete to dry. 

Rough-in

This is when the major utility and structural components are installed and it can last up to 5 weeks. It’s an exciting part of the process as you can see your addition starting to take shape. It includes several stages:

• Framing. Your team will craft roof trusses, floors, and walls that form the structure. It requires careful placement of each window, door, and exterior vent. 
• Roof & sheathing. These are often done simultaneously, right after framing. While one team installs shingles to protect the structure from the elements, the other installs sheathing that secures additional structural support and serves as a weather barrier. 
• Trades & utilities. This is when your HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical are installed, with the primary focus on the major systems that run inside the walls. 
• Inspection. All the work completed so far needs to undergo an inspection to ensure that everything is properly installed and up to code. In case the inspector identifies any code violations or other issues, it’s necessary to make corrections before moving on. 

Final works

The final phase can take as long as 6 weeks and includes all the work necessary to make your space functional and aesthetically pleasing:

• Siding, trim & paint. When properly installed, exterior siding can protect your home for over half a century. Once they finish the trim and paint, your team will check for any issues and address them. 
• Drywall & insulation. Once the exterior is completed, it’s time to fill up the walls with insulation and then close them up with drywall. 
• Trim, flooring, & paint. This includes all carpentry work and completion of paint, trim, and flooring installation. 
• Final inspection. Before your room is ready to live in, it requires a final inspection to ensure overall quality and code compliance and check for anything that may have been overlooked previously. 

Where in Barrington can I find reliable custom room additions?

Whether you’re planning a new bedroom or not sure what type of addition best fits your needs, reach out to Northeast Kitchen Remodel & Design Build. We’re a team of experienced specialists ready to carry out improvement projects of any scope and complexity. Whether you need us near Barrington College or across the region, you can rely on our expertise. Get in touch with us today!

Whether you’d like to enhance the aesthetic of your space, render it more functional, or add some square footage, custom room additions can be the right solution for your home in Barrington. Depending on your needs and preferences, there are several types of additions you can choose from. From a full-size addition that requires comprehensive modifications to more simple attic expansions, we give you a detailed overview of the most common types. Read on!

What is a building addition?

Homeowners opt for different building additions to accommodate different needs, such as changing lifestyles, growing families, or enhancing functionality. Have a look at some popular types:

Attic or basement conversion

This option is best when you want to add living space without modifying the footprint of your home. While, in technical terms, it doesn’t actually expand the footprint but rather converts an unfinished space, it can be an economical option to add practical living space. Moreover, it adds value to your property. 

However, be it a basement or an attic, it must meet certain qualifications to transform it into a code-approved space. For example, attics must be amendable to ventilation and insulation requirements, while basements must be completely dry. 

Conventional full-size addition

This multi-room structure is built onto the side of a house and is best suited when you require a lot of living space. With an experienced designer, it can seamlessly blend with the main house. It can feature different areas such as a family room, bathroom, primary bedroom, or guest bedroom. However, it’s not typical for these additions to include a kitchen.

The project needs to adhere to the same codes as full house construction and usually requires excavation, foundation work, HVAC service, plumbing, and wiring. In instances when such an expansion features everything that’s needed for independent living, it can also be referred to as an attached accessory dwelling unit (AADU). 

Room addition

This is a single-room structure that’s intended for a single function, like a bathroom or bedroom. However, it can also just expand the size of an existing room. It requires a foundation and a new  roof line which can be flat or shed style. 

Sunroom

Sunrooms are an excellent option when you want to add recreational space. They’re typically made of prefabricated materials such as thermal-resistant glass and aluminum and assembled on-site. However, they can sometimes feature the same materials as the house, such as concrete and lumber, providing visual cohesion. 

Garage conversion

By installing a ceiling, adding flooring, and replacing the door with a wall, you can transform your garage into a living space. A garage is often converted into a bedroom or living room, but sometimes it can become a fully functional living space. It’s a convenient option since it already features the basic structure of foundation, walls, roof, and subfloor. 

Second story addition

Thi is a major project that can double the square footage of your living space and increase your home’s value. It’s an excellent solution when you need a lot of space but don’t have a lot of land. If you don’t intend to sell your home, a good idea is to consider implementing age-in-place features into your project. 

Who offers high-quality custom room additions in Barrington?

Whether you’re planning a comprehensive project or going for a room addition but not sure how to make an efficient plan, Northeast Kitchen Remodel & Design Build is the team you can rely on. Our trusted experts will take into consideration your needs, requirements, and space to provide you with a highly tailored solution. Whether your home is close to the Warren River or in another area, we’re here for you. Give us a call today!