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 4 - Construction
Your path to building a second story on your home is nearing its end. This has been both exciting and a challenge. Now that your vision has taken shape, it's time to delve into the final stage. In this post, we will guide you through the last steps that make your addition not just more space but a comfortable, safe, and lovely extension of your home.
Final Inspections
During the inspection phase, the city makes sure that your addition is in line with all local building codes. These inspections are not only mandatory but also work to look out for the safety of your family and the longevity of your investment.
Types of Inspections
Different types of inspections are carried out by specialists. For example, electrical inspections are handled by electricians or electrical inspectors, while structural engineers or building inspectors will do the structural inspections. Each type of inspection serves a unique purpose and addresses distinct parts of the new structure.
The local government will appoint skilled inspectors to carry out these inspections. These inspectors act as professionals who are objective and unbiased to make sure that the building sticks to safety standards and local codes. Their oversight helps make sure that your addition is safe.
Interior Finishing
Once the structural components of your addition are in place, it's time to focus on the interior finishes. This phase will allow you to add your unique style to your new space while making sure that it is functional and welcoming.
What To Do With The Floor
Take the time to choose the right type of flooring for each area, such as hardwood, carpet, tile, or laminate. What about factors like how durable the floor will be, what kind of maintenance it will need, and how well it completes the room?
Wall Paint and Finish
The color palette, paint type, and wall finish can have a large impact on the vibe of a room. Pick up some swatches from the hardware store to get a feel for how the options will work in your space.
Fixtures and Appliances
Your choice of fixtures, such as lighting, faucets, and cabinet hardware, can help to bring your vision to life. If your new space will need appliances, look for options that will have less of an impact on your energy bill.
Room Purpose
Take into account the purpose of each room. For example, in a bathroom, you'll want to prioritize fixtures and finishes that are water-resistant and easy to clean.
Personal Style
Your addition is an extension of your home, so choose finishes that resonate with your personal style. Whether you prefer a modern, classic, or eclectic look, make sure it reflects your tastes.
Cohesive Interior Design
Create a cohesive interior design by considering how finishes in one area flow into the next. This ensures a harmonious and visually pleasing transition between spaces.
Choosing finishes is a creative process, so take your time and consult with interior designers or professionals if needed. The suitable finishes will transform your addition into a beautiful and functional part of your home.
Exterior Finishing
Adding a new floor to your home will mean a lot of decisions when it comes to what to do with the exterior. Is the plan to replace the siding on the first floor at the same time? How would some stone look around the entryway of your upgraded home? What color and style will you choose for the new roof, siding, and gutters? Would vertical siding look best in the gable sections of your second floor? This is a time to really transform your home on the outside as much as you have on the inside.
Navigating Challenges
Now you know all that goes into building a second-story addition. When you look at all the contractors that you will need to hire and all the inspections and materials that need to be scheduled, it can seem like a mountain too high to climb alone. When you work with a design-build contractor like the team at MI Remodelers, you will not be alone in this process. You will have one point of contact for a team that will do the work to make sure that every aspect of your project gets done right and on time. If you have more questions about adding a new floor to your home or any other remodeling project, please reach out to the team at MI Remodelers.