I Want To Put An Addition On My House: Where Do I Start

So, You Want to Add More Space to Your House? Let’s Get Real (and Excited!)

Hey there, future home expansion guru! Let’s cut to the chase: adding onto your house isn’t just about slapping on a new room and calling it a day. It’s a wild ride of planning, budgeting, and—let’s be honest—occasional panic when you realize how many decisions you’ll need to make. But don’t sweat it. We’ve been there, done that, and even helped folks like you in Denver turn their “what ifs” into “heck yes!” moments. (Shoutout to our team at Verified Builders for making magic happen daily.)

Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked family room, a swanky master suite, or finally giving your in-laws their own private guest space (no judgment here), we’ll walk you through where to start. Spoiler: It’s not by Googling “home addition contractor near me” at 2 a.m.


Step 1: Figure Out What You Actually Need (Not Just What Pinterest Tells You)

Let’s start with the big question: Why are you adding space? More storage? A home office that doesn’t double as a laundry room? Or maybe you’re eyeing luxury home renovations to boost your property’s value? Be brutally honest. Aesthetic inspo is great, but functionality is your BFF here.

Pro Tip: Sketch a rough layout. Even if it looks like a toddler drew it, visualizing your addition helps you (and your contractor) avoid awkward “Wait, where’s the bathroom?” moments later.


Step 2: Budget Like You’re Prepping for a Mars Mission

Let’s talk money. Adding square footage isn’t cheap, but it’s also not Monopoly money. Here’s a quick breakdown of average costs for common projects:

Project Type Average Cost Range Why It Varies
Basic Room Addition $80,000 – $200,000 Size, materials, and surprise foundation issues
Basement Remodel $30,000 – $75,000 Moisture control, permits, and that weird smell you’ve been ignoring
Bathroom Remodeling $20,000 – $50,000 Tile choices, plumbing, and whether you need that gold-plated showerhead
Whole House Remodeling $100,000 – $400,000+ Structural changes, electrical updates, and your sudden love for imported marble

FYI: Always pad your budget by 15–20% for “Oh, that’s behind the drywall?” moments. And if you’re in Denver, Verified Builders offers free estimates to help you avoid financial heartburn.


Step 3: Find a Contractor Who Doesn’t Ghost You (Spoiler: We Know Some)

Hiring a home renovation contractor is like online dating: you’ll sift through a lot of profiles before finding “the one.” Here’s how to avoid disaster:

  1. Check Reviews Like Your Life Depends on It
    Google, Yelp, and even Instagram comments reveal a lot. Look for phrases like “communicative,” “on budget,” and “didn’t leave a hole in my roof for weeks.”

  2. Ask for Credentials
    Licensed? Insured? Experienced in custom remodels? If they hesitate, swipe left.

  3. Meet Them IRL
    A good contractor will walk your space, ask smart questions, and listen. No one wants a “Yes Man” who agrees to your floating bathroom idea without mentioning gravity.

Shameless Plug Alert: Our team at Verified Builders has 12 years of nailing this process. We’re local, obsessed with details, and have a 98% “Would Recommend” rating. Just saying.


Step 4: Design Time—Where Dreams Meet Reality

This is where you collaborate with your remodeling company to turn sketches into blueprints. A few tips:

  • Prioritize Flow
    Your new space should feel like part of the house, not a random shipping container glued to the side.

  • Think Long-Term
    That neon-green accent wall might not age well. (Unless you’re going for a “retro 2024” vibe.)

  • Leave Room for Shenanigans
    Unexpected delays happen. Permits take time. Your neighbor’s cat might claim your construction site as its throne. Flexibility is key.


Step 5: Permits, Paperwork, and Patience

Ah, permits—the DMV of home renovations. Skipping them might save time upfront, but getting caught means fines or even tearing down your work. Your general contractor should handle most of this, but stay in the loop.

Rhetorical Question Time: Why do permits take so long? [Insert conspiracy theory about municipal red tape here.]


Step 6: Construction Phase—Embrace the Chaos

Cue the noise, dust, and workers who’ll become your temporary roommates. Here’s how to survive:

  • Set Clear Boundaries
    A portable toilet? Non-negotiable.

  • Visit Often (But Not Too Often)
    Trust your team, but pop in weekly to ensure things match the plan.

  • Celebrate Small Wins
    First wall up? Coffee break. Electrical wired? High-fives all around.


FAQ: The Stuff Everyone Secretly Wonders

Q: How long does a home addition take?
A: 3–6 months on average. Delays happen, but a pro like Verified Builders keeps things moving.

Q: Can I live in my house during construction?
A: Depends on the project. A basement remodel contractor might let you stay, but a whole house remodeling job? Maybe crash with a friend.

Q: What’s the ROI on a home addition?
A: Typically 50–80% ROI, but priceless if it means your mother-in-law stops side-eyeing your “cozy” guest room.


Final Thought: Let’s Make It Happen

Adding onto your house is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. But with the right plan, budget, and home addition contractor (hi, it’s us), you’ll survive—and maybe even enjoy the process. Ready to turn that “someday” into “next month”? Verified Builders is here to chat, laugh at your Pinterest fails, and build something amazing.

Because let’s face it: You deserve a home that’s 100% you. Even if “you” includes a karaoke room. 🎤


Got questions? Drop us a line or check our reviews to see why Denver trusts us with their bathroom renovation contractor needs, luxury home renovations, and everything in between. Let’s build something unforgettable!

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