What should I do before starting a home remodel or addition?

If you are interested in making some big additions to your home this year, or just want to remodel a part of it, it is important to take the proper precautions before commencing any major projects. This will ensure that what is done is not only safe but legal as well.

Keeping a house "up to code" is important. This doesn't mean that you should tear your home down and rebuild every time the code changes, but you should be mindful for safety's sake. If your home was built before the turn of the century, it may need an upgrade. Some projects you could undertake at your residence include adding railings to all stairs, updating the home's electrical system and putting in permanent smoke alarms. Another project that could be good to improve the energy efficiency in your home is replacing dated toilets that use substantial amounts of water. Older models typically use more water than is necessary, so newer items could help your home conserve more H2O.

Want to add a wing to your home? A new bedroom or dining area? Before you go outside and start shoveling or tear down a wall, it is important to get a building permit to do this. Keep in mind, the changes don't have to be major to require a permit, either. Ask the city what their rules are and check with them on every project before going through with it. Every municipality has different regulations, so checking with local officials is a must.

If you live in an area that deals with a high volume of storms, it may be a good plan to take those into account when preparing for the upcoming year. Are there a large amount of trees in your yard? These should be kept in good order, and trimmed regularly. If any item drapes or hangs over the home, it is very important to cut it back. Nothing should be able to fall on the home, if you can avoid it. In addition, make sure nothing that is around the home can be blown into your abode, as these items can be damaging.

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