The following post is part 4 in a five-part series on how to plan a two-story addition for your home. You will find links below if you need to read the first three posts.
Part 1 - Dreaming and Defining
Part 2 - Laying the Groundwork
Part 3 - Design and Details
Part 5 - Completing Your Addition
At this point, you have put the time into dreaming, designing, and planning your addition. Now, it is time to roll up your sleeves and start on the final phases of turning your vision into reality. The building phase is where your project will start to take shape. This post will get you ready for what you can expect during this stage.
The Timeline
Setting The Schedule
Your contractor should have a detailed schedule for the building of your new floor. Think of your timeline as a clear plan that outlines each task that must be done and when it needs to be completed by to keep the project on schedule. A good timeline will help to make sure that all the parts of your addition come together with ease.
Work with Your Builder
Open lines of communication with your contractor are needed to make sure your build goes smoothly. It is crucial that you participate in building a realistic schedule that ligns up with your expectations and goals. This will give you a chance to address any milestones that are important to you.
Manage Your Budget
Monitor Costs
Throughout the build, you need to keep an eye on your project's expenses. Regular monitoring will help make sure that you are staying in your budget. Look at budget tracking tools or use spreadsheets to keep track of costs. These tools will make it easier to see where your money is going.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Unexpected costs are a part of any construction process, but you can prepare for them with a contingency fund. Set aside a portion of your budget to handle these surprises without putting a halt to the whole project.
Manage Your Budget
Monitor Costs
Throughout the build, you need to keep an eye on your project's expenses. Regular monitoring will help make sure that you are staying in your budget. Look at budget tracking tools or use spreadsheets to keep track of costs. These tools will make it easier to see where your money is going.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Unexpected costs are a part of any construction process, but you can prepare for them with a contingency fund. Set aside a portion of your budget to handle these surprises without putting a halt to the whole project.
Ensuring Quality
Monitoring Progress and Quality
As you move into the building phase of your two-story addition, you will get the best result by being an active participant. This phase is where your dreams and designs truly take shape, but it's also where quality control becomes a concern.
Regularly visit the site and maintain open communication with your contractor to make sure the project is on track. It is your one chance to witness the work firsthand and make any adjustments before it is too costly to fix.
The Role of Inspections
Throughout the building phase, a lot of inspections will need to happen. These inspections are not just formalities; they are vital for making sure that the work meets local building codes. The inspector will review parts of your project, such as electrical, plumbing, structural integrity, and more.
Navigating Challenges
Dealing with Delays
Delays in construction are almost unavoidable. While they can be a source of frustration, it's best to be prepared for them so that you can manage them effectively to keep your project on track.
Some common delays are weather and supply chain issues. Recognizing these possibilities and having a plan in place can help you soften the impact.
Addressing The Unforeseen
Sometimes, unexpected issues can arise during construction, such as hidden structural problems or changes in local regulations. If changes to the design plans are needed, work with your contractor to find the best answers.
As you dive into the building phase, keep in mind that it's not just about the work. Be involved in monitoring quality to make sure your project is lining up with your vision. Assume that delays will happen and make a plan to stay on track.
In the next article of our series, we will delve into the final stages and project completion. That will be the phase where you see your addition come to life.
