If your home needs more space, a family room addition might be the solution. If your home has enough bedrooms, but the only common area is the living room, your living space can seem crowded. Plus, it may be difficult to keep the living room spotless for guests. By adding a family room, your kids have a place to play and watch movies so everyone is happier and more comfortable. Here's what you need to know about family room additions.
Get A Design From An Architect
You'll need the help of an architect and a remodeling contractor to plan and build your addition. The contractor can help you choose the right space for adding on a family room. It may need to be on the back of your house so it isn't too close to the setback area or property lines.
Once the location for the addition is determined, an architect can create the plans needed to bring the addition to life just the way you want it. These plans are used by the builder and they're also needed to submit to the codes office for the permit. The plans and building site need to be approved by the codes office before you can begin work.
Decide What Utilities Are Needed
Your family room will need electricity, but it may not need plumbing unless you plan to add a bar or restroom. Adding a bathroom to the addition could drive up the cost significantly, so you'll want to discuss all your options with the contractor and architect. You want the new room to be useful and within your budget.
Even if the only utility you need is electricity, you and the architect need to determine the type of outlets you need and their placement so you have enough power to operate a home theater and gaming consoles.
Think About Climate Control
You'll need an assessment and calculations done to determine if the family room can be added to the duct system in your home without causing problems. If the contractor decides your HVAC or ducts will need an upgrade, you might want to consider an alternative such as a window AC unit, baseboard heater, or a mini-split heat pump to cool and heat the family room.
Consider Soundproofing Options
If you'll use the family room as a media room, you may want soundproofing insulation put in the walls. This keeps noise from the family room from bothering you in the living room and it keeps outside noises from being so loud in the family room. If soundproofing is important, let your contractor know so they can choose the right building materials, insulation, and windows so that the sound is controlled as best as possible.
Reach out to a company like Timberbuilt to learn more.
