One of the most significant of all home improvements is putting on an addition. There are many reasons a homeowner chooses to add an addition to his or her home, from increasing the resale value of the home to adding living space for new family members. Putting an addition on the home is no small project, and it is not one to be taken lightly. There are a number of important considerations, including the following.

The Utilities

It is important to inform the general contractor about any utilities that will need to be relocated during the addition. For example, it may be necessary to bring in plumbing, electricity, telephone or gas lines, and this can mean structural changes to the existing property. Knowing which utilities will need to be relocated will also help the general contractor determine which subcontractors will be needed in order to complete the project.

Wall Outlets and Switches

The lighting is one of the most important parts of any home remodel or home addition, and it is a great idea to incorporate dimmer switches, fade lighting and full range lighting to the addition. Switches that turn on automatically when a person walks into a room are one of the popular of all lighting options.

The time to determine that you have enough power outlets and switches for the addition is before it is completed, not after. It is much easier to add additional outlets and switches while the addition is being installed than to go back and add them afterward. When planning the room, it is important to plan for the future. Be sure to add outlets for use in the future as the needs of the room expand.

Heating Options

Heating is another vital consideration for any home addition. There are many heating options on the market, and the homeowner will have the choice of adding the addition to the existing heating source or installing a separate heating system for the new room.

Radiant heating is one of the most popular for room additions, and radiant in-floor heating is a great way to enjoy heat on even the coldest day. Radiant in-floor heating uses hot water to heat the floor, and it may require the assistance of a plumber to install. On the other hand, adding electric baseboard heating often requires the help of a professional electrician. It is important to discuss your heating needs with your general contractor before starting work on the project. Knowing the heating options ahead of time will help the contractor to prepare an accurate estimate.

Brooke Sikula is a freelance writer based in Ventura, CA and writes on a wide range of topics from home improvement to credit repair and everything in between. She is a regular contributor to http://www.get-home-improvement.com and http://www.home-remodeling4u.com

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