Before you begin your home renovation or addition, it's important to plan ahead. The important thing to remember is that you should do your research first.

The first thing you should do in your planning stage is figure out what issues your addition will address.  Is your bedroom too dark and small?  Would you like your kitchen to be lighter and larger?  During this stage, you need to pinpoint your needs.

• Visit home improvement centers, read magazines featuring distinctive home designs.

• List the renovation projects you are considering.

• Find examples, look into cost, and prioritize within your budget.

• Think about the specific design you want and decide on a budget

• Think about the materials you want to use: siding, roofing, windows etc.

While you are still in the thinking stage for your home addition, find out from city hall, building department, if there are any local zoning ordinances that could affect your project, such as lot setbacks (i.e. the minimum distance required from the adjacent property lines or public right of way to the outermost portion of the structure) and height restrictions. You need a copy of your property survey to bring to the building department.

This copy must be in its original size, do not shrink or zoom copy

At our first meeting I will sit down with you and discuss your wants and needs for your construction project.

Have a copy of your property survey. One of my first steps will be going to the building department and verifying that the addition you request meets township requirements.

Talk to a professional architect. Explain what you would like to do and invite them to your home to take a look at your current layout. They can help fill in any technical gaps and determine whether or not your design ideas are possible.