Don't get surprised by unexpected costs!

A home remodel, whether an addition or within the walls, is a major expense. So it’s important to develop a realistic budget. Often a homeowner will be focused only on how much the construction cost will be, not thinking to ask what other costs are involved.

Depending on the scope and type of project you’re planning you might need to budget for some or all of the following items:

Governmental fees

• planning/zoning approval/permit—for additions and other exterior modifications (varies by city/county; may need design (aesthetic) review; variance required if the project doesn’t follow zoning regulations)
• building permit—required for almost any work done on a house (beyond minor repairs), and some landscape projects if over a certain height (to find out if you need one call your local building department)
• electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits—required if the project includes any of that type of work

Professional services

• architect—needed to design and draw the project (drawings needed for planning department review for any exterior changes, for building permit, and for the builder to build from)
• surveyor—to mark your actual property lines on your lot (to prove you are not building closer than the zoning setback regulations allow)
• soils report (by a civil engineer)—often required by the building department for an addition (to determine the foundation type needed to stand up to an earthquake)
• structural engineering—usually needed for additions and removed walls (to show calculations and detailed drawings for weight and earthquake strength)

You may want these services

• energy auditor—if you want to find out where your home has air leaks and missing insulation so you can have it wrapped up for comfort and energy savings
• landscape designer—if you want help designing the layout and plant selection for your garden or yard
• interior designer—if you want help designing the decor, colors, and window coverings for your rooms

Whew! As you can see there are potentially a whole list of costs you might not have thought about, or even heard of, that will become part of your budget. I encourage you to talk to contractors, architects, city officials and find out what things are needed. And what they will cost. You won’t have an exact amount, but you will be financially and mentally prepared.

Have you done a home remodel? And did you get surprised by unexpected costs? Tell us your story—maybe it will help someone else.

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