how do i start?

Question

building a 15 x 15 addition to my home w/ slab foundation?
how much $ should i expect to pay?
how long would it take to complete?

Answer 1

plan on something like $150 a foot (then you may be pleasantly surprised or maybe not so pleasantly). these things always take way too long. depending on what the building codes are where you live is a major factor on cost and time (earthquake issues in the codes in California, flood issues in some areas, etc.) (in California it might be more like $250-$500 a foot, i don't have any idea, homes there are so obscenely expensive)
get everything in writing and get lots of references and hold the contractors feet to the fire on the time line or it will make you crazy...so you can make your contractor crazy, (so he will want to finish and get away from you) or he will make you crazy, (and you may as well let him and his crew move in and be a part of the family), because it will turn into the never ending story. get references get references get references, look at the work history and the other local projects the prospective contractor has done. and get references and call them and grill them and get references and call them and grill them like a steak. oh, and get references. did i mention references? and a contract in writing with your attorney's approval?

Answer 2

Sounds like captsnuf has had a bad experience! However, he is correct in suggesting that you check references. But you have to step off and take a slight chance once in a while. Make sure you feel comfortable with the contractor as you talk with him. Does he communicate well with you? Pictures are worth a thousand words as they say. I give all my customers a 3D blueprint of their prospective project before I ever drive a nail or collect a dime. Communication and everything in writing works well for both parties. A reputable contractor will definately agree. Be careful of the guy that wants to start right in on it before things are agreeable to you both. Ask questions before, during and then you won't have to after. I always feel like part of the family when I do a large project. But like all inlaws, it's nice when they go. Ask for a projected completion date. Go talk and see past projects of your prospective contractors. He should be able to rattle customers names and addresses off the top of his head that would not mind you looking at their project. If there is too much hesitation, he may have to try and think of one that was happy when he was done. It's a large investment, so be careful. Don't rush too much. Do your own homework, don't let him decide what you want, unless that is what you want. But get it in writing. And, in the immortal words of captsnuf: Get References! Good Luck.