Planning on adding addition to home...where do I start?

Question

My husband and I are wanting to add on the the back part of our home. But we dont know where to start. We are planning on refinancing (sp) to get the money, but arnt really sure on what to do there either. Please help.

Answer 1

First, hiring a contractor will do you no good if you don't have architectural drawings. Because you are demolishing exterior walls, you must have a licensed architect draw up the plans. NO ONE CAN draw plans to modify the exterior of a home other than a LICENSED architect.

I think the first thing you and your husband should do is have a very in depth discussion about what you want the addition to include. Different rooms will require you to budget different amounts of money. There are many things that are going to go into an addition. This will include: central heat and air, electrical, and if you are including a bathroom, plumbing. The more elaborate the addition, the more the addition will cost. So, before you hire an architect, decided what you want the addition to be. If you think you might want to add a bath or remodel the kitchen, I would advise you to do that as part of your addition because that would be cheaper in the long run.

Financing
If you have a lot of equity in your home, you could take out a home equity loan to finance the remodel.

However, after you decide what you want for the remodel and hire an architect to draw the plans, your next step will be to seek bids from contractors. After you receive the bids, take this to your bank and they will advise you of the best method of financing the remodel. Do not be tempted to accept the lowest bid. Thoroughly research each and every contractor so that you know you will not be screwed. Also, if a contractor comes back with a bid of $30,000. It would be wise to take out a loan for more than that amount because coming in at that price is not a guarantee.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

My wife and I are going through this right now. I recommend NOT to call an engineer or a contractor first. You will get an engineering or contractor product at the end. What I would recommend is talking to an architect first. Someone who is experienced in providing designs that are functional vs. an engineered approach.

We started with an engineer and eventually pulled out because it didn't feel right (rooms were getting bolted on here and there and windows didn't fit the style, we were also being asked to do the designing -- which we weren't good at). We called an architect and are THRILLED with the design ideas, added our input and now we are calling contractors for bids. Call an architect and you will be amazed at their creativity.

I will say that I have also found a pretty cool site that I am now using in our remodel. It is called www.getwithgreen.com. All about green products and how to save money and energy in the remodel.

Answer 3

contact a local contractor and run your idea across if he is unreseptive he wasn't your guy. Make sure your local zoneing alows it. And is it a large addition requiring an arcitect which won't be cheap... try to find a GOOD CONTRACTOR..... usally he can draw your plans for the city to reveiw.... then ofcourse there are permits, excavating... again I can't stress how important a good contractor is he will know all the required people and reduce your head aches.... If you need help choosing go to the local Lumber yard, not menards or home depot A lumber yard and ask if they can recomend a carpenter..... They know all the guys... But start by shopping around and try to draw a plan your self ...even if it is on a bar napkin to relay your thoughts to the builder....

Answer 4

i would start with the building dept in your area. they can tell you your setbacks and how much/large you can/could go. also its a way to stay up with the contractor u use..

1 put the idea in your head to paper
2 know your lot size
3 trip to the building dept to ask about what you "can" do also get leads on contractors
4 call couple contractors, meet get rough prices and maybe some names/prices to draw up plans. check some on your own to make sure prices are fair. you can also ask bldg. dept for names in that area too.. nothing like a noob not knowing the local codes.

Answer 5

make a phone call to a licensed carpenter or contractor(get a reference from friends...nobodies unemployed brother-in-law)
he will give you an estimate. take the estimate to the bank or credit union where you have your other loans. Your loan officer may check your credit again and give you a home improvement loan (tax deduct able!) from there the remodelers will know where to start. give these people a deadline.
have fun!!

Answer 6

Hire the most REPUTABLE contractor you can find. No kidding! If you try to cut corners, you may get burned!

I am telling you this from years of working with contractors and such! Make sure he has insurance too!

Answer 7

Start with ringing an engineer then they will tell you the next step look one up in the phone book or ask a friend who's used one to see if they have have a good name but see how much you can borrow first.a engineer draws up your plans etc.

Answer 8

i think of they could desire to cost a greater than lifestyles equestrian statue of him and positioned it suitable in front of the White abode fountain. His suitable hand would be gesturing forth preserving a artwork stress of Asclepius and in his different hand a rose. Inscribed on a banner around the horse's breast the words: vir publicus.

Answer 9

Don't pay all the money up front. A reliable contractor doesn't need front money.