Comments on: What is the process, steps to go through when adding an addition to your home?

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:59 +0000

Make sure you have dates in the contract for things to be done by and some kind of penalty if the contractor drags his feet.

Need everything spelled out or they will try to hit you up for every little thing.

Look at the prices they are giving you, then think what you can sell you house for and add the amount of the remodel and look at real estate to see what you can get for the money. Also think of what your house will be worth after the remodel. I went through the same process you are going through and I was able to move and double the size of the house/land for less money then adding on.
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By: me

me — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:53:59 +0000

There are many options with additions. You really should get 3 qualified estimates and agree on precisely what you want with your SO. I strongly suggest working with an Architect - contractors tend to alter your plans if you don’t have firm ones. For a sizable addition this could save you many thousands of dollars. The architect’s job is to give you what you need/want for the best possible price he or she will be aware of how to accomplish your needs most efficiently. For instance up is less expensive then out.

Your bids need to include the brand/quality of the materials. They should also have an estimated time frame. You need to decide with the contractor what "finished" is. Does it mean walls primed or painted. Are costs such as coverplates and fixtures figured in.

Payment should be clearly spelled out, commonly 1/3 of the price is held until completion.

You need to ask the contractor what your responsibilities are and if you will be required to vacate and for how long.

There are different permits and normally the contractor will go after those for you.

With a sizable addition you need to address your heating and cooling and have a HVAC guy come in and give you his recommendations. You need an electrition to check your box to be sure you have enough spaces for the new work. If you are armed with that knowledge you can make better choices.

You have to choose if you are handing everything to the contractor or subcontracting pieces yourself. You may have an uncle that’s an electrician for example. Or your friends can do the roofing.
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By: rick z

rick z — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:29:59 +0000

You will need to apply for a building permit. You will need to provide the following:
1. plans or drawings indicating the design (floor layout,foundation plan, electric layout
plumbing layout, elevation that shows exterior finishes). Typically they want 2 copies of each.
2. 2 copies of your plot with the addition drawn on it to scale.
3. check for the permit fee.
4. They will have a form to fill out as well.
I would call the permitting office to ask what you need to provide. Also talk to your contractor about making your drawings for you.

Once you have the permit, work can begin. your contractor will probably handle settingup the inspections. The electrical, plumbing, HVAC contractors will have to obtain separate permits and set theor own inspections. hope this helps
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By: R K

R K — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:57:59 +0000

the contractor should take care everything once you get started. you just need to get the loan
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