A home extension is the ideal solution for a growing family with growing needs. Instead of purchasing a new home, a home extension allows you to maximize the space you already have. While extensions are highly effective, it’s easy to go overboard and find yourself in an unfortunate financial situation. Instead of falling into this group, there are a few steps you can take to manage your home extension cost in Long Island. Continue reading for a few of the top secrets to cutting home extension costs in Long Island.
Set a Budget
A well managed and well planned extension budget is crucial to the success of your project. Your extension can be a single or two story project and can extend by a small amount or by lot. The price can also vary based on the types of materials used in the project. As a result, an extension budget can range anywhere from as little as $5,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In all fairness, the budget is up to you. However, one key tip is to work closely with your contractor to help you set a budget and adhere to it.
Start with a Plan
When you are considering a home extension, it’s important to understand that design isn’t the same as art. It’s best to use an architect to create a viable solution to your space problem. Make sure you communicate what you want to gain from your extension. Consider how you want the new space to improve your life. Sit down with your architect and identify the things you would like to achieve. If you are speaking to a contractor and they do not offer these services, it may be best to find one who does. In the worst case scenario, your finished extension will not meet your needs, which may require you to invest more money to correct the problem. The best way to limit home extension cost in Long Island is to start with a clear defined plan.
Use a Remodeling Contractor
While there are several different methods to creating your home extension, the best way to manage the home extension cost in Long Island is to use an experienced general contractor. This professional both simplifies the process and streamlines it. If you were to hire everyone individually, you would need to potentially hire each of the following professionals :
- Architect
- Surveyor/Engineer
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Plasterer
- Builder
- Insulation
- Roofers
- And a few others
Instead of hiring each of these professionals to complete the your home extension, the most cost-effective and time sensitive process is to hire a general contractor that offers all of these services. This will save you money and consolidate the process down to a single bill.
Manage Home Extension Cost in Long Island By Using a Licensed Professional
Simply put, not all contractors are created equally or even professionally! Just because someone says they can do the job doesn’t mean you should trust them. Instead, it’s best to only work with licensed contractors. If a professional isn’t willing or able to go through the rigorous licensure process, you shouldn’t trust them with such a significant job. In addition to potentially pouring money down the drain, hiring an unlicensed contractor may result in an unsafe living structure.
Choose a Contractor that Offers a Warranty
Because anyone can make open promises of quality work, it’s vital to choose an extension contractor that backs their work up with a warranty. This warranty should include the materials as well as the workmanship. Any reputable contractor that does good work should be more than willing to offer a comprehensive warranty. If not, you may be looking at spending more on repairs than you originally paid for the extension. In any case, when a contractor is reluctant to warranty their work, you should be leary.
In the end, the true secret to saving money on your extension is to choose a reputable, licensed, and insured contractor. GAMCO Remodeling has been creating stylish home extensions in the Long Island area since 1978. Contact GAMCO Remodeling today for a free in-home extension consultation.