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Prepping Your Neighbor for Your Addition

Addition construction pictureSo you’ve decided to start a renovation project on your home. Have you talked to your neighbors about your plans? You should! It’s important to prep your neighbors and make them aware of changes that may affect them. Here are a few things that you can do to keep a good relationship with those on your block as you add-on to your home.

“It’s all about managing expectations, so it’s important to let your neighbor know about your home improvement project before construction begins,” said Normandy Designer Maury Jones. “Especially if the homes on your block are in close proximity to each other.”

“It’s key to have open communication throughout the whole process,” added Maury.  “Take the time to chat with them and be up front about potential parking and traffic flow issues on your street and be open to suggestions on how to handle it.”

Keeping the construction site clean is especially important to neighbors that live closest to you. “Your construction crew should be keeping the area as clean as possible to avoid unwanted debris blowing in your neighbor’s yard,” notes Maury. “But if it becomes a concern, don’t hesitate to bring it to your construction superintendent’s attention.” Some villages may require you to erect a fence which could give added safety, protecting children and pets from wandering in after hours.

Any changes to the right of way between properties such as trees or bushes that need to be cut down or trimmed back should be communicated. “You just never know how changes to your home can affect your neighbor’s property or privacy,” says Maury.

Once the renovation is complete and the dust has settled, thank your neighbors for their patience and understanding. These helpful tips can help you to remain on good terms after the project is over and for years to come.

If you are considering an addition or remodeling your home, you can set up a time with Maury to talk about the possibilities. You can also learn more about additions, kitchens or other remodeling projects at an upcoming workshop. Check out the photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips and inspiration.

Building Up Under The Eaves

Art Studio in Attic Conversion

Do you want more livable space in your home without expanding out into your yard? One way is by working within the home’s existing footprint and converting the attic into living space. A converted attic is suitable as a bedroom, art studio, or even a home office.

While attic conversions are a nice option, they aren’t as straightforward as other remodeling projects. There are many requirements in order to meet building codes; such as properly insulating the ceiling, reinforcing the floor, and meeting minimum height requirements to name a few. With this in mind, not all homes are good candidates. Highlighted below are a few things to think about when doing your homework for building up on top of your home.

Building and Zoning – Before starting on an attic conversion project, you or your builder will do a thorough assessment to see if your home is a good candidate. Zoning restrictions and building code requirements surrounding an attic remodel can be challenging and it’s important that all these issues are satisfied before you get too far into your planning.

Suitable Access – There will need to be enough room to carve out space for a permanent staircase. This will entail carving out at least 30-35 square feet in the attic floor and sometimes the next level down with a minimum width of 36 inches. The strategic placement of the staircase is a key component to a successful design that ties all levels of the home in a harmonious way.

Structurally Sound – Is your attic floor strong enough to support the new space? In many homes, this is not the case but it can be remedied by reinforcing the existing floor joists.

Heating and Ventilation – Attic spaces are known for being hot and stuffy in the summer and cold in the winter. Maintaining a comfortable temperature in the attic conversion is important. Proper indoor air climate control and appropriate insulation are a must when building out the area.

Ceiling Height – Many building codes require attic ceiling heights that aren’t typically found in many homes today. And once the floor is reinforced and the roof is insulated, you have an even smaller space to work with. There are two options to consider: raise the roof to increase the head clearance of the entire space or in some cases, you can leave the existing main roof structure and create several dormers in designated areas to give you the appropriate head clearance.

Windows – Your existing space was probably never conceived as being a livable space when it was built and therefore no consideration was given to natural daylight and ventilation which are not only code requirements but something you would want to make a space functional and enjoyable. So skylights or dormers with windows may be in order.

If you are looking to get the most out of your home’s footprint or contemplating more sweeping changes to your home, you can set up a time with a professional to talk about the possibilities. You can also learn more about additions, kitchens, or other remodeling projects at an upcoming workshop. Check out the photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips and inspiration.

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