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Can anyone recommend some steps or gotchas that one might need to know when planning an addition to an existing home?
Some things I came up with were:
– architect to design in order for it to “match” the existing structure
as far as roof lines and also plan for things like water runoff
– consider heating/cooling/plumbing/electrical…use existing or new?
Could this be contracted by an individual the same way a new house would be or would this be more involved?
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Replies
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dan... get out your dance card and start looking for a dance partner before you wind up with your hands in your pockets, leaning against the bleachers..
this is exactly what design/build firms do...so, you can hire an architect... or a designer
yes , a homeowner can do this, just as they can take on the duties of Gen.Contractor for a new house, with the same mixed results..
some of the other caveats...
permits and zoning..
septic system or town sewer...
how much of the existing gets upgraded at the same time...
the time and money you spend on design are the most important dollars you invest in your project..
remodeling is a different business than new construction.. new construction tends to be less complicated... as in everything you do.. experience counts.. and references can best vouch for experience....
b but hey, whadda i no ?
*Thanks for the info.My wife and I just finished building our house and we did all the contracting ourselves as well some of the work.I was testing the waters to see if this is something we could do while she stays home with the kids.I don't know if we'll make a business out of it, but we figure if we do enough of them and save, save, save, then we'll be able to pay for one outright eventually...hopefully around the time I want to retire. (-:The reason I asked the question was someone here at work is getting ready to do the addition and she had asked about our experience with the new house.I just wasn't sure, so I knew where to post my question.I could see where the initial planning would be so important. I think there is so much to consider since there is an existing house vs. a new construction.Thanks again.
*dan... if you want to work your way up the home equity ladder.. remember... the location of your home is THE most important thing in regards long-term appreciation...in a ten year period , some homes will double in value... some go up 5 times.. and some ten-fold... the location is the most important single variable..and some homes will actually lose value....
*If you were able to build your own home and still do better than if you had hired a GC, than you're the exception, congratulations.Remodeling has more problems than building new. More suprises. But, if you made it the first time, maybe you can do it again.
*Dan,Mike is right about additions vs. New Home Construction being different. The key word is "QUITE" different. You will be dealing with a customer who can see the project 24/7 so being a people person is the rule. You will find that tieing an addition into an existing house can be either simple or so complex that you'll pop a vein. You'll find construction practices in older homes that will make you shake your head. I started in business 15 years ago building additions and new homes and I'm still amazed at what we find when we tear into an old structure. The only other comment I can make is the 'if we do enough of them'. Be careful, volume begets overhead and if cashflow gets tight you'll miss sleep. It's a business and you have to watch your workload carefully. The hardiest thing to say in this business is 'No'. Its also the most important.
*It is seat of the pants construction that to be done right needs a quick mind with the biggest bunch of experience you can put in it. Or, you better hook yourself up with some good people. And by that I mean "he's a good plumber" but he is also good at fighting all the curve balls thrown at him by the house and doesn't cut half the joists outta the floor trying to plumb that new bath. And he doesn't fart or belch and keeps a clean work area. And his van doesn't leak oil. Did I mention shows up? And doesn't like to go deer hunting. Oh yeah, and he's resonable. Yup, pc. of cake, nothin to it. I hope you got good kids that don't mind mom on the phone. And that's just the plumber. Best of luck. Plenty of work around.
*Thanks for the advice guys. We built a 1622 sqft. home with a approximately 250 sqft. bonus room over the garage.By doing the contracting ourselves and doing some of the work ourselves we saved a bunch. Especially since we did all of the wood and tile flooring as well as hanging the Hardi-Plank siding, prime & painting interior/exterior and insulation. Well, a lot for a 1622 sqft home (-:What I don't get is how can you still make money, or can you, by not doing all this work yourself?I talked with another builder and he said that it helps to do more square footage...I guess there is a breaking point where it doesn't cost a heck of a lot more by doing a 2200 sqft home vs. an 1800 sqft home?Sorry, this is off topic, but it was in the back of my mind and made its way to the keyboard.Thanks again,Daniel
*You're right you might (probably) not be able to make money (except your labor) by doing all the jobs on the house. Not everyone (few) can do it all well or quick enough to make it worthwhile. The trick is to do what you are good at and assemble the right group to fill in the rest. Mark their work up and you make a little. You need to produce good quality as quick as you can without compromise. And then, just maybe, you'll make more than your wage. Course, this is from a dumb carpenter. Best of luck.
*Personally, I feel that your best bet is to hire a contractor unless you really have some experience in these matters. Additions can become a very complex process in many areas simply due to local requirements. There are cites in my area that require air balancing figures and energy efficiency calculations for a simple 12x12 room add-on. Then, beside all the red tape, are the general situations that arise in every project that only experience can help you overcome. Simply stated, do not take on something that you don't have adequate knowledge to handle. If I wanted an airplane, I sure the hell wouldn't try building my own.Pete