Everything One Should Know about building a House Addition
It is always best to find a trustworthy general contractor to guide you through the entire process of expanding your home. However, having a general understanding of the process can be very helpful in gaining insights into the timelines, costs, and professionals involved. Below, we will share everything a homeowner needs to know about building a house addition.
● Septic Tank
Having a septic tank at your property comes with several checks. When a house addition project is planned, a septic service company may inspect the septic tank to ensure it can accommodate the increased usage resulting from the expansion. Here is how a house addition general contractor can help with septic tank installed in your property:
Checking through the zoning and health department
They check the zoning and health department of your town, for instance the regulations on the offset distance of buildings from the septic system. As per the date of this article, the offset distance regulation is 25 ft away from the septic tank.
Expanding Within the Existing Footprint
If you’re considering a house addition, staying within the current footprint of your property—such as converting an attic or basement, or adding a second story—can be a more convenient approach. This method often allows you to expand your home without making any changes to the septic system, even if it may not fully align with current regulations.
The Impact of Room Types on Septic Systems
The type of room you’re adding can significantly influence whether your septic system needs updating:
Adding a Bathroom: Generally, adding a bathroom does not require changes to the septic system.
Adding a Bedroom: If you’re adding a bedroom, you may need to upgrade your septic system, depending on its size and capacity. Be sure to evaluate this aspect before proceeding.
Expanding Beyond the Existing Footprint
If your house addition involves extending the structure beyond its current footprint, additional considerations must be addressed.
Offset Regulations: Ensure that the new construction complies with the required setback distances from the septic system.
Septic System Evaluation: A septic service company will need to inspect your property. This typically involves excavating, testing the ground, and evaluating the property to determine if there’s sufficient space for system relocation or upgrades in case of a failure. The cost of this service is approximately $5,000.
By carefully considering these factors, homeowners can ensure a smooth house addition process while maintaining a functional and compliant septic system.
● Wetlands
When planning a house addition, understanding how wetlands on your property might impact the process is crucial. Not all wetlands are visible to the naked eye, so it’s essential to take the following steps to avoid unexpected challenges:
Identify Wetlands on Your Property
Hire a local soil scientist to locate any wetlands on your land. These specialists use professional tools and expertise to determine the exact location of wetlands. The cost of their services typically ranges between $800 and $1,000.
Mark Wetlands Clearly
Once the soil scientist completes their work, ensure the wetlands are marked with flags on the ground. This step provides a clear visual reference for areas to avoid during construction.
Understand Building Regulations
Check with your local zoning and health department to determine the required setback regulations for building near wetlands. In most cases, structures must be at least 25 feet away from wetlands to comply with current regulations.
● Water-well
If your home has a water well, it can be a significant asset, but it also comes with responsibilities. Proper maintenance and a good understanding of its functionality are essential, especially when planning a house addition. Here’s what you need to know:
Plan for Future Updates
Consider the quality of your water. If you anticipate any future updates to improve your water well’s performance or drinking water quality, ensure you allocate enough space for these potential upgrades during the addition process.
Test Your Water Quality
Contact your local health department to test the quality of your current water supply. If the results indicate that improvements are needed, consult a water well service company. They can provide guidance on any additional space requirements for upgrades.
Evaluate Water Pressure and Supply
If your house addition includes a new bathroom, ensure that your water well can support the increased demand. Check that the water pressure and flow rate are sufficient to meet the needs of the additional fixtures.
By addressing these considerations, you can ensure that your water well continues to be a reliable resource while accommodating the changes to your home
● Surveyor’s services
Engaging a professional surveyor is an essential step when planning a house addition, especially after identifying the locations of your septic system, water well, and wetlands. Here’s why surveyor services are crucial:
Marking Property Boundaries
A surveyor will visit your property to identify and mark the exact borders. They will also flag key areas and provide detailed drawings that show the existing house, septic system, and wetlands.
Incorporating the New House Footprint
Once your architectural and structural drawings are ready, the surveyor will update their documentation to include the new house footprint, ensuring the addition aligns with the property layout.
Mandatory Service for Any Addition
Even if you’re keeping the existing footprint of your house, surveyor services are a must to confirm boundaries and ensure compliance with regulations.
By utilizing a surveyor’s expertise, you can avoid boundary disputes, ensure accuracy in your plans, and streamline the house addition process.
● Meeting with the separate departments
Before starting a house addition project, it’s essential to meet with the relevant municipal departments to ensure compliance with local regulations. Many municipalities offer walk-in hours, allowing you to verify regulations, and address project specific concerns.
ParadiseHome General Contractor - New Home Constructions & House Additions - July/2024