Adding square footage to your existing home is a significant undertaking that affects your daily life during construction and your property value for years to come. The contractor you select will determine how well the new space integrates with your existing structure, how smoothly the project runs, and how the finished addition holds up over time.
At Blum Custom Builders, we have completed home additions of all types and sizes. This page walks you through what to consider when selecting a contractor so you can make a confident decision for your project.
General construction experience matters, but home additions present challenges that new construction does not. Adding onto an existing structure requires matching roof lines, tying into current electrical and plumbing systems, and ensuring the new foundation works with what already exists. A contractor who primarily builds new homes may lack experience solving these problems.
Ask contractors how many addition projects they have completed in the past three years. Request examples of additions similar to yours in scope and style. A contractor who regularly handles additions will anticipate issues before they arise and have established relationships with subcontractors who specialize in this type of work.
Every state requires contractors to hold specific licenses for residential construction work. Confirm that any contractor you consider has current licensing and verify this information directly with your state licensing board. Do not rely solely on what the contractor tells you.
Insurance protects you if something goes wrong during construction. Your contractor should carry general liability coverage and workers compensation insurance for their crew. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm coverage amounts are adequate for your project size. Bonding provides additional protection if the contractor fails to complete the work or pay subcontractors.
A home addition should look like it was always part of your house, not an obvious afterthought. This requires careful attention during the design phase to match architectural details, roof pitches, siding materials, and window styles. Contractors who rush through planning often deliver additions that feel disconnected from the original structure.
Ask how the contractor approaches the design process. Do they work with architects or have in-house design capabilities? How do they handle matching existing materials that may no longer be manufactured? Understanding their process helps you gauge how well the finished addition will integrate with your home.
You will interact with your contractor frequently throughout the project. How they communicate during the bidding phase indicates how they will communicate during construction. Pay attention to how quickly they return calls, how clearly they explain options, and how willing they are to answer questions.
Establish expectations for communication upfront. Ask how often you will receive progress updates and who your primary contact will be during the project. A contractor who is difficult to reach before signing a contract will likely be difficult to reach when you need answers during the build.
Collect written estimates from at least three contractors. These documents should break down costs by category so you can compare like items across bids. A single lump sum number without details makes fair comparison impossible and can hide areas where corners might be cut.
Be cautious of bids that fall significantly below others. Low bids sometimes indicate a contractor has missed something in their scope, plans to use inferior materials, or is not properly accounting for labor costs. Ask questions about any significant variations between estimates to understand what drives the differences.
Speaking with former clients gives you insight into how the contractor actually operates day to day. Ask for references from addition projects completed within the past two years and actually call them. Inquire about budget accuracy, timeline adherence, problem resolution, and overall satisfaction with the finished work.
If possible, visit completed additions in person. Photos show you what a project looks like, but walking through a space reveals details about craftsmanship that pictures cannot capture. Notice how doors close, how trim meets walls, and how finishes hold up to daily use.
Your contractor should handle permit applications and schedule required inspections. Confirm this is included in their scope of work before signing. Pulling permits in your name without contractor involvement can create liability issues.
Most home additions take three to six months from groundbreaking to completion, depending on size and scope. Weather, material availability, and permit processing times all affect schedules. Your contractor should provide a projected timeline with key milestones.
Many homeowners remain in their homes during addition projects, though this depends on the scope of work. Discuss logistics with your contractor, including noise, dust control, access to utilities, and safety considerations for children and pets.
Contractors typically structure payments around project milestones rather than calendar dates. You should never pay the full amount upfront. A standard schedule might include a deposit, framing completion payment, and final payment upon project completion.
Most contractors offer a one-year warranty on workmanship. Longer structural warranties may also be available. Get warranty terms in writing and understand what is covered and what steps you must take to file a claim.
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Choosing the right contractor makes the difference between an addition that serves your family well and one that becomes a source of frustration. Blum Custom Builders brings experience, clear communication, and attention to detail to every project. Contact us today to discuss your home addition plans.
Blum Custom Builders is here to guide you through every step of the process, from design to completion. Get in touch today to schedule your consultation and begin turning your ideas into reality.
