The very first step in a room addition or remodeling project is really 2 steps

We frequently get calls asking, “How much to do a room addition?” Of course, we have a very rough idea of cost per square foot, with the emphasis on rough. There are a lot of variables, not the least of which is the terrain in our area. But also materials, complexity of design and unique features, to name a few, come into the mix.

So here are a couple of things you should do whether you are going to try to do the work yourself or hire someone to do it.

1. Define the Scope of Work:

The first thing you need to be clear about is the Scope of Work. Writing out the scope will help to clarify in your mind what exactly you want to have done. Additionally, it will help you to identify or uncover things you might otherwise overlook. 

2. Take a cut at setting your Specifications:

The next thing to do is Specifications. They are the very specific details in the scope of work. Create a list of details about the project. Have a fun brainstorming session with your spouse, family or friends. Come up with as many details as possible and be as specific as you can. Let the ideas flow. You can organize it later.

Here’s an Example

Scope of Work:

Add a bedroom onto the back of the house

Specifications:

Extend the hallway to accommodate an entry for the new room. The doorway to the new room will be on the right side of the room. The room’s right wall will be a common wall with the existing guest bedroom. There will be a French doors leading to a small deck off the back of the room. The left hand wall of the room will be a walk-in closet that extends the length of the room. The doors to the closet will be French louvered doors. The room, including closet doors will be white. The ceiling will have a decorative molding and there will be a lighted ceiling fan in the center of the room. Total clean up and haul away the trash.

If you can be more specific, all the better. However, don’t think for one minute that this plan needs to be perfect and final. We will have questions, suggestions, recommendations and ideas. We want you to get exactly what you want, even if you don’t know what you want. Try to nail down what your “must haves” are: French doors to the deck, and know what you can be flexible on: French doors to the closet.

With these details in place we can:

• Be more accurate on our estimate
• Find ways to help you save money
• Get the job done faster
• Give you what you want the first time with a minimum of changes

These same details can be extremely useful to an architect or designer if you plan to use one.

Additionally, many of the building sites here in the foothills will need structural engineering. If you think you might need an engineer, call us. We can talk to you about your site and recommend some firms that we have worked with successfully in the past.