Decorating & Renovating
Ceci131
member
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Renovation/home addition questions
We are thinking of delving into the home addition world. A tree smashed up our deck and siding so we are thinking what better time than now to do a small addition (200 sq ft). I really don't even know what to expect in terms of cost or this process!
So far we have talked to an architect (is one even needed for this small or a project?) and he quoted us $1500 for the design/plan and estimated $100 sq ft for the project costs. Is this reasonable? We are not going to be needing any plumbing.
I'd appreciated any feedback or insight.
Re: Renovation/home addition questions
Yes I would hire an architect. There is a lot that needs to be considered even though it's a small addition. If you have the space doing a slightly bigger addition would actually not cost you that much more (ie. adding a 6' vs. 15' addition covering the same length of existing structure opening will have a comparable cost). A good architect will give you lots of feedback and ideas on how to maximize your space and functionality without going over budget. They are totally worth it.
$100/sf sounds like a good number to start from. Additions are usually $20-40/sf more than new construction in your area. Tearing open an existing building is a whole new can of worms compared to blank slate new construction. You'll need to blend the siding, shingles, flooring, and trim. This may mean you'll need to completely replace some of the exterior finishes. Electrical will be another big issue because it will take a lot of time and effort for the electrician to determine how your current home's lines are run; if he can use them or if he needs to run new lines. He'll need to make at least a few cut outs in the existing drywall unless the current lines are running in an exposed attic/basement/crawlspace. Same goes for the HVAC only they will need much bigger holes. How the new structure is tied into the old structure is very important and will determine if you have major sinking issues in the future (very common in additions). The architect you use should work with a structural engineer to design this for you. Don't rely on a contractor to design that for you. And you're for sure want to pull permits (or have your contractors pull them for you so they are responsible to pass the inspections) for all of the trades involved.