As you may know, there are few better freedoms than being able to customize your home to your liking. If you're thinking about home additions this year, you're not the only one! According to a survey by MReport, the number of single-family homes under construction recently increased to the highest level since 2006. Some of those single-family homeowners may be renovating garages or basements, installing patios, and more. Whatever upgrades you have in mind, here are some surprising facts about home additions that you may want to know about.

1. They Can Reduce Energy Bills

Are you tired of seeing your energy bills go up every month? You can stop that by making home upgrades to your windows, doors, insulation, or roof. The more energy efficiency you have with these features, the more you can regulate your heating and cooling temperature in your home and keep those costs down. It may be worth replacing those single-pane windows with double-pane ones or installing a metal roof if you're looking to lower your carbon footprint.

2. You Can Get Tax Credits

If you're tired of working away from home, why not finally build a home office and claim it as a business expense annually? When you decide to go green with solar panel installations, not only will you be able to utilize clean, sustainable energy, but you'll also get tax rebates from the federal government and possibly the state.

3. You May Need Approval

Did you know you may need additional approval before you make certain upgrades on your property? Certain projects, such as swimming pools and garage build-outs, require building permits. Before you go ahead and hire a contractor to install an in-ground pool, make sure those permits are secure, or hire a contractor to handle it for you.

4. Your Insurance May Change

As a homeowner, you should always be mindful of your home insurance and what affects it. If you add more square footage to your home, you'll increase the coverage you'll need on your insurance policy. As a result, your premium may go up, so call your home insurer ahead of time about your renovation plans.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when making home additions. From updating your insurance to getting the right approvals to benefiting from lower bills and more energy efficiency, upgrading your home comes with some pleasant surprises and additional responsibilities. If you're ready to improve your home, call our team at DH Building & Son's today to get started.