Need a little more living space and looking to add on to your home? If you’re handy, you might be wondering if you can take on this project by yourself. Here are some things to consider before embarking on a DIY home addition and what you might want to hire help for.
Can I Do It on My Own?
Recognize your boundaries. While you may be able to handle much of the planning and tasks independently, it’s advisable to refrain from undertaking an entire DIY home addition or demolition without professional assistance, especially if you lack experience or contractor expertise. Going solo might result in higher costs due to potential mistakes, disregard for codes and ordinances, or the use of inappropriate materials. Professionals are extensively trained and skilled for a reason, and seeking their guidance can ensure a smoother process.
Where to Hire Help
Here are the areas that you’ll want to consider hiring help for when you are working on your home addition.
Design
Engaging a contractor or architect to assist with the expansion design is an excellent initial step. They can develop a comprehensive design plan, draft it accurately, and incorporate specifications that adhere to building codes. Furthermore, their expertise can be instrumental in guiding you through the process of submitting the plan to your city or town’s building and zoning department for approval before commencing the work.
Permits
This isn’t necessarily hiring help but you will need to work with your local government to collect all necessary required permits. You’ll be required to prominently display those permits while you work on the project, so don’t skip them.
Excavation
Prior to commencing the excavation process, make sure to contact 811, the national “call before you dig” hotline. This step is crucial to prevent any damage to underground utility lines. By notifying utility companies, they can identify the locations of buried cables, electric lines, water, or gas lines on your property. Avoiding contact with utility lines is essential for safety reasons, and it also helps you avoid the expenses and project delays associated with repairs if a line is accidentally hit.
Waste Disposal
Every construction project produces a significant amount of waste. Rather than spending time transporting debris to the dump, consider renting a dumpster to have on-site. A reliable dumpster rental company will handle the delivery, removal, and emptying of the dumpster as needed for your project. A reputable company will also be well-versed in waste disposal regulations, assisting you in avoiding potential fees and fines.
Electrical
Unless you are an electrician yourself, it’s a good idea to outsource this task. A skilled election will make sure that your new addition is wired correctly and safely. Electricity is not something to mess with, and no one wants an electrical fire or to be electrocuted.
Plumbing
Along the same line of electrical, plumbing is a good thing to outsource, especially if you are adding a bathroom or other large plumbing project. Save yourself from broken pipes and flooding by calling an expert from the start.
Portable Toilet
Suppose you’re enlisting contractors for different phases of your DIY home addition project and require a portable toilet on your property. Instead of separately arranging a portable toilet rental and a roll-off dumpster rental, contact redbox+ Dumpsters. Our unique Elite container integrates a roll-off dumpster and a portable toilet into a single, convenient unit. While DIY home additions may take time, you won’t have to concern yourself with maintaining the toilets. Our teams are prepared to clean and service the portable toilets of the dumpster right on-site.
If you’re looking to complete a DIY home addition, let redbox+ Dumpsters of West Los Angeles help with the waste removal. We have a variety of dumpsters for any size project, including out Elite portable toilet/dumpster combo. Don’t worry about trips to the dumpster or any other waste management worries, just give us a call! Get a free estimate today by calling 323-940-5564.