I have a “small” project in mind, but I am not sure who I need to speak to first or how to go about getting the job underway. . .I would like to “bump out” the wall of our master bedroom, with the three walls angled like a bay window. It would be a floor to ceiling addition, 3-4′ deep, and the length of the bedroom wall (11 feet). It would have a foundation underneath, windows on the three walls (like a bay window)and a pitched roof. I have seen these types of “bump outs” on bungalows and victorians. I’m hoping some of you can help with a few questions:
1) What are these “bump outs” actually called? Since this is a floor to ceiling addition, calling it a “bay window” doesn’t sound accurate.
2) To those of you who are in the construction industry – What would you want from a homeowner who came to you with this idea? Should I speak to an architect first, or is that overkill for such a project? I can sketch the idea, but I don’t have the expertise to know if my sketch will show the right way to do it.
3) Is everyone in construction too busy right now to consider such a small job? Is this a “small job?”
4) Finally, I have no clue what such a job would cost. If I don’t need an architect, what do I ask a contractor for – a bid or an estimate? I am not looking to shop around, since I am familiar with several contractors. I’d be happy with any who had the time for the project. I expect to pay the contractor for whatever design work he does and give an estimate of the cost. I just don’t know what to ask to show them that I am not looking for a free estimate to shop around to 50 other people. Also, since I have no idea of what such a project would cost, I want to compensate the person for the design/estimate time. This idea may turn out to be so expensive that it’s just not worth undertaking . . . and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time for free!
Thanks to anyone who can offer advice – Jason
Replies
If you communicate in person like you do online, I think all you have to do is start meeting with local builders about your project and sift through them until you find one or two you feel confortable with, Jason.
Many contractors will have the ability to help you design a project like that. Others might have an architect or home designer they work with they could recommend.
Either way, the planning stage of any addition or remodel should not be rushed. It takes time for you, the contractor, the designer, to exchange ideas, let them settle a while, and eventually come up with a project that is well conceived, properly executed, and ends up better than you hoped for when you first started calling folks.
"2) To those of you who are in the construction industry - What would you want from a homeowner who came to you with this idea?"
An open mind and a healthy respect for buildings and the people you deal with. That's more than enough for me. The rest will take care of itself.
So many things to consider....start with your locale. Does your town have a building dept.? If so, this might be a good place to start. See if you can`t schedule some time with the building inspector. Just find out in advance whether or not you`ll be encroaching on any set backs...will you need a variance?...will your project have to go before the archy review board?....that sort of thing.
If all goes well there, speak to a few of the builders you are considering. While many may require a fee for a full blown estimate, see if you can`t get a general figure for what you`re thinking about having done. Find out if you`re talking about a $5000 project, or a $20,000 project. These numbers won`t be written in stone, but if you`re going to be on a budget, you might find out its more money than you`re willing to spend, before you start spending it.
If you`re not blown away by the numbers, seek out an architect should any of the builders you`re considering not provide such a service. Spend the time to sit down with the designer and discuss exactly what it is you`re looking to accomplish.
Finally, put the blueprints out to bid. Compare the numbers, and make sure everyone in pricing for the same project. Don`t be afraid of the highest numbers....make sure everyone elses include everything he has. I do suggest you avoid the low ball. Chances are, that proposal is missing something.....especially if its considerably lower than the others.
Best of luck.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Hi Jason,
Most builders should be able to do a project like this without
calling in an architech. Cost depends on the existing framing, weather
its a load bearing wall,etc.
Where are you located? Im about ready to start working again..now that
my house is done.
RobTeed
Dream Builders