If you are planning on having a room addition added to your home, it can be a large project that requires commitment, expertise, and patients. When hiring a Syracuse area home addition and remodeling contractor, you need a professional who can accurately plan the design, do the demolition and the construction with the right permits and inspections in place. A contractor like this is more than just a handyman.

The truth is that not every contractor can do the work on the necessary level that can execute a large-scale project like a home addition.

Here’s what to consider when hiring a contractor for a room addition:

Do They Meet Building Codes and Obtain Permits?

When you build a structure onto an existing building it is much different than transforming an existing bathroom. When you work with the right people, they will make sure that what you envision is possible with your HOA and local building codes. When you interview contractors find out if they work as a team or if they work alone.

When you have a bonded and licensed contractor your addition you want for your home can be presented and approved by your city and HOA so that the proper permits can be obtained in various categories. They will also have to meet the minimum requirements for materials for current safety standards.

Why Do you Need Permits?

When permits are ignored and not sought after properly your new home addition can hurt you financially. Non-permitted work won’t be covered by insurance. To make sure you get the most from your renovation, ask your contractor about getting permits in these areas:   

  • Structural: Since a home addition involves making significant changes to a home, such as knocking out walls, adding new utility hookups, and more, you’ll need this permit.
  • Plumbing: If your new addition has any need for a sink, powder bathroom, or anything else that requires plumbing, then this permit is in order.
  • Electrical: Unless your new structure is a shed in the backyard, it will most likely need plugs and wiring. Getting this installation up to today’s building code can merit you an electrical permit.
  • Gas: Running natural gas utilities in the new addition will necessitate this permit as well.
  • Any relevant local permits: A local contractor who is experienced with home additions will also know what permits your city or municipality requires and obtain them.

Will They Put the Permit in Their Name?

It is vital that the contractor is willing to put their name on the permit. If they try to put your name, then you will be the one that is responsible for the work. If there are mistakes made then the blame falls upon you. A good contractor will stand by their work and be willing to put their name on the necessary permits. If the contractor you’re interviewing isn’t direct about what they would do regarding permits, then it’s time to find someone new.

Do They Have Experience?

When it comes to major home improvement and renovations projects, most are  far more involved than simply adding a separate structure from the ground up. There are unique issues to contend with such electrical hookups, water utilities, materials, and layouts that your contractor has to integrate into the new structure. During a project like this, sometimes errors in the original building’s electrical wiring are discovered. Your contractor will need to work with an electrician to correct the issue.

There are also times when the plans that have been drawn up may interfere with the safety of the entire home. If this happens then a specialist has to be called in to verify the project’s soundness. A lone contractor will have a difficult time getting these fixes done. Whereas an organized team of designers, project managers, interior designers, and contractors who have connections with local pros can get you the help you need quickly.

Can They Provide Proof of Past Work?

Contractors that are confident in their work will have no problem providing you with information about home addition projects they have completed. They can show you photos and testimonials from past clients that have had similar projects as yours.

Home Addition Contractors in Syracuse, New York

Empire State Professionals are Syracuse’s one-stop-shop for project planning and construction. Our construction team has what it takes to get your home addition project designed, approved, and built on time.