A home addition can be exciting, thrilling and daunting all at the same time. If done right, it will transform your home and your way of life and increase the property value by thousands, if not tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But when it goes wrong, it will feel like a never-ending nightmare. To help you avoid the pitfalls, and most importantly because prevention is better than cure when it comes to a costly home building project, our building and interior designers reveal the five worst things they see in home extensions that make you cringe, and how you can avoid them.
From poor workmanship and flow to moisture, ventilation and roofing issues, avoid these problems on your next construction project.
Don’t be surprised by these terrible additional problems
1. Style conflict
A beautifully composed and harmonious winter garden
(Photo credit: Alexandra Kaehler)
Austin Skoog, owner of Sky Side Exteriors, is a top-notch siding contractor in Kalispell, Montana, and has seen plenty of home additions that didn’t make much of an impression.
He says: “Let’s just say they weren’t exactly architectural masterpieces. While some additions are designed to blend seamlessly into one another and increase the value of a home, others are, quite frankly, an eyesore.”
Among the most common problems Austin has observed is a lack of integration between old and new. He explains: “One of the most striking problems is a stark contrast in style between the original house and the extension. A modern box stuck onto a Victorian cottage, for example, is a recipe for disaster. It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole.”
David Silva, interior designer at renovation company HomRem, says: “I have seen many house extensions, both good and bad, and one of the first warning signs for me is the Feeling the structure. For example, the floors in the rest of the house may feel sturdy and normal, but once you enter the extension, it feels cheap and hollow.
“Even if the floors are made of exactly the same material, they feel completely different because of the structure underneath. The same goes for air quality. Bad extensions usually have drafts and poor air conditioning, making it feel like you’re in a completely different house.”
Otherwise, poor integration of the original house and its new addition can (poorly) stand out and compromise function. Austin says, “A good addition should blend seamlessly into the existing structure. It’s about creating a unified look. If an addition sticks out like a sore thumb, it detracts from the overall appeal of the home.”
With his particular area of expertise, Austin is the first to spot problems with the siding of a new home addition. He says, “A poorly matched siding material or color can ruin the entire look of the home. It’s important to choose siding that complements the existing exterior and can withstand the local climate.”
Scot Rounds, roofing expert, adds: “I was working on a vinyl siding addition that was awkwardly connected to the main brick house. The materials and style didn’t match, it was an eyesore.”
2. Poor insulation and ventilation
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Relying on cheaper but inferior workmanship can lead to insulation problems.
Scot Rounds, president of Sunray Roofing and Solar, says, “I worked on a house where the existing addition was also poorly insulated and there were large temperature differences between the old and new sections.”
In his experience, homeowners often focus too much on the cost of insulation materials without considering the quality that is lost when skimping in this area. While good and realistic budgeting is key to completing a project on time without going over budget, it’s important to know where to allocate spending.
Scot says: “To avoid a terrible extension, consider how you plan to use the space and invest in quality, coherent design and materials. Work with an experienced builder who can handle design, insulation and seamless integration of the extension into your existing home. Investing more in skills and materials up front will save you hassle and money in the years to come.”
Joshua Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, says, “I often see ventilation problems when attic ventilation is inadequate or not properly installed on home additions. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, mold growth, and a shortened roof lifespan, as well as negatively impacting the air quality in the home.”
The experienced roofer explains that this issue is often overlooked in the planning phase or neglected due to cost, which is a remodeling mistake. “To avoid this, homeowners should ensure that adequate ventilation is included in their home addition plans and consult a roofer to determine the amount of ventilation required,” adds Joshua.
3. Lighting problems
A bright and well thought out home with plenty of natural light from both directions
(Photo credit: Peter Dunham)
A key aspect of interior design is keeping your home light and airy, but what about construction?
Austin Skoog says: “Natural light is crucial for any living space. A poorly placed extension can block light and create dark, gloomy interiors. Conversely, too much light can lead to glare and overheating.”
While you can choose one of the best colors for rooms with little natural light, it’s not just about aesthetics.
In extreme cases, this can lead to moisture and mold problems, destroying the flow and aesthetics of the original space.
4. Problems with the foundations
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A solid foundation is the backbone of any building, and if it is not appropriate for the materials and purpose of the addition, taking into account soil, landscape and regional weather, you may have to bear high costs later. Structural problems are something you should never ignore.
Austin explains, “If the foundation of the addition is not properly prepared or integrated into the existing foundation, it can lead to structural problems later. Cracks in walls and ceilings, settlement and water damage are common consequences.”
Not only will this cause you problems when you live in it, but it will also be a nightmare when it comes time to sell it. Don’t leave the job to highly rated and experienced (and therefore more expensive) construction professionals. The architects and structural engineers who work on the plans and schematics are just as important.
If it means saving up longer to get the better construction team (and the perfect architect), it’s worth the wait – and the extra expense.
5. Roofing mistakes
A beautiful and well constructed mantelpiece
(Photo credit: Alice Lane Interior Design)
Joshua Riutta, an experienced roofer, has seen many home additions that could have been done much better.
He says, “Some of the most common problems I see are roofline discontinuities, which is when the roofline doesn’t match between the old and new sections. This discrepancy in slope, material or style creates an unbalanced and unsightly appearance and can lead to water damage if not properly addressed.”
This often happens due to poor planning or attempts to save money by using different materials. Joshua recommends that the best way to avoid this problem is to insist with your team on a seamless transition between the old and new roofline and to consult a roofing contractor to ensure proper ventilation and drainage.
Another common problem is inadequate waterproofing, usually made of galvanized steel, which is used to direct water away from areas where two materials meet. Joshua explains, “I’ve seen waterproofing around chimneys, vents and other roof penetrations that was either poorly installed or missing altogether. This is a major cause of leaks that can lead to water damage to walls, ceilings and insulation in the home.”
This is usually the result of inexperienced or rushed work. “To prevent this,” says Joshua, “it’s important to hire a qualified contractor with experience in roofing and to regularly inspect the roofing for signs of wear or damage.”
Mismatched roofing materials can also cause compatibility issues between the old and new areas of a home extension. This often happens due to cost differences or availability of materials. Joshua adds: “The best way to avoid this is to choose a consistent roofing material for the entire roof or to select complementary materials that work well together.”
Why do things like this go wrong with house extensions?
- Lack of planning: Inadequate planning is a major reason, says Austin. Homeowners may focus on the inside without considering what the addition will look like on the outside. Learn more about the things you should definitely consider before embarking on a remodel.
- Budget constraints: Sometimes cost-cutting measures lead to compromises on quality and aesthetics. Instead, work on smart ways to source good building materials at a lower cost.
- Incompetent contractors: Unfortunately, not all contractors are the same. A lack of experience or skill can result in a poorly constructed home addition.
- Ignoring local building codes: Violations of building codes can have serious consequences, including safety hazards and structural problems.
How to avoid these terrible problems when growing plants at home
- Hire a qualified contractor: Do your research and choose a contractor with a proven track record and good reviews, advises Austin.
- Create a detailed plan: Work with an architect or designer to develop a comprehensive addition plan to avoid renovation burnout.
- Look at the bigger picture: Consider how the addition will affect the overall look and feel of your home.
- Prioritize energy efficiency: Integrate energy-efficient features such as appropriate insulation and high-quality windows.
- Don’t skimp on materials: Invest in high-quality materials for a long-lasting and attractive addition.
- Obtain the necessary permits: Make sure you have all necessary permits before you start construction.
By following these tips from our panel of experienced home building and renovation experts, you will increase the chances of a successful home extension that increases both the functionality and curb appeal of your property.
Next, we’ll look at the things that construction professionals always notice in bad bathroom remodels.
