Four Common Problems Builders Encounter When Doing Home Additions

Home additions represent a serious undertaking, so you’ll definitely want to work with an experienced and knowledgeable contractor who can help you avoid the common pitfalls and problems that builders encounter when doing home additions. The following are four common problems you and your contractors might face during construction.

Additional Pressure to Original Structure

Additions, in general, put stress or pressure on the house's foundation. If the existing foundation is already in poor shape, then building onto it without first addressing this issue can be dangerous as the foundation could give way due to the added pressure. Similarly, if the ground underneath the foundation is unstable, then heaving or cracking is possible. To solve this problem, your contractor will have to take steps to reinforce the existing foundation, add piers, post or beams in a system designed to support the extra weight.

Old Structure Built with Hazardous Materials

Homes built some three decades ago or older may contain hazardous substances or materials due to the building practices in the previous decades. Asbestos, known to be a cancer-causing fiber, was widely used in many construction materials in the 1940s up Until the 1960s. Floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, wall paneling, and select roofing materials all contained asbestos. Similarly, lead paint was widely used till the early 1970s. Fine particles from lead paint are said to cause brain damage when absorbed into the bloodstream in large quantities.

Poor Support for Additional Floor

A single-storey home generally has ceiling joists that can support itself, drywall, insulation, and nothing else. They're not usually sturdy enough to have an upper floor that will not sag or bounce when added. In order to address this issue, your contractor can add additional joists for support.

Outdated Electrical System

Adding a new story or a living area means you’re going to have an increased demand for power due to the additional load brought on by new lighting, upgraded appliances, and other electrical equipment. This presents the perfect opportunity for an electrical system upgrade to accommodate the increased power demand.