I want to make my home bigger... help!

[jgottsman11]

I want to expand the size of my current home by extending the kitchen, dining room, and (1) bedroom out to the backyard a bit. What kind of person would I reach out to to begin with designing the floorplan and interior design concept?

Not really sure whether I reach out to an interior designer or an architect or my dad for help

[996marty]

Wouldn’t your first place to look would be an architect and once that design is set out on paper you can then start looking at the spaces that are to be created and what can be done with them. After that you can liaise with specific companies that specialise in certain trades to create anything you like. Trying to visualise what you want can sometimes be hard and a good architect can hopefully help with that

[rmagoo57]

You can also talk to a builder who will know/work with plenty of architects/engineers who will design/build the project within your budget. You can probably get some good recommendations at City Hall. Good luck!

[GB-man]

If you have a set budget talk to a builder and get some ideas before contacting the architect and drawing up plans. Additions are quite expensive and often we quote people and they decide it doesn’t make sense financially but this is not a HCOL area.

[hambone1983]

I just did a fairly extensive expansion.

I would reach out to friends/neighbors/relatives that have done something similar. Don't take a chance on ANYONE you have not vetted. Kinda like the advice given here about "trusted sellers." Watch scammers are probably all construction contractors.

[JasoninDenver]

Research “design/build” companies in your area. One stop shopping is especially helpful in determining if the ROI pencils out versus just buying another home. Also, factor in the joy of living without a kitchen and master bedroom for 4-6 months.

[Andad]

??

Sketch out a floor plan that suits your requirements.

Discuss these plans with a few local home builders (they know local council requirements) and ask for some quotes.

[brandrea]

I’ve done this exact kind of renovation over the years (most recently in 2015).

I’d start with a reputable builder/general contractor. They know enough about everything to give you a “ball park” of what it will cost and entail.

Renovating often comes with other things a designer won’t know about (electrical/hvac/plumbing/foundation)etc etc.

Pro tip … take the ball park number they give you and add about 30%

Good luck, it’s a fun process if you work with the right people

[Exceeder]

If there are any other projects similar to yours going on in your town, you can contact that builder and have a chat. He’s already in your area and you can see his work.

[ltmgeller]

First check with your local building department to if you can even build where you want to.

[L8r]

If you’re in an HOA start there first. Make sure you can build what you want in the neighborhood.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Pro tip … take the ball park number they give you and add about 30%

Yep, and if they say it’ll be finished in 4 months, it will take 8 months. If they say 6 months, it will take a year.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Krash

Yep, and if they say it’ll be finished in 4 months, it will take 8 months. If they say 6 months, it will take a year.


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[colpol]

We knocked our kitchen/ TV room/ dinning room - into an open plan living space & added a couple of skylights

Architect did the job plans/ had to submit plans to local council/ building warrant obtained/ builder recommended by architect/ work done over 5/ 6 weeks (we moved out). Decorators in to finish off.

[m j b]

I'd consider just buying another house.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by Krash

Yep, and if they say it’ll be finished in 4 months, it will take 8 months. If they say 6 months, it will take a year.


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It depends how you write the RFQ for the general contractors. If you include all the construction details (drawings, specs, quality) and the expected completion date, you'll get an accurate quote and project schedule.

Most people just talk to the contractors and tell them what they need. The contractors bid it to get it, then upcharge on all the change orders later. If you provide a good RFQ to several reputable contractors they can price the job accurately as well as predict the timeline accurately. Knowing there are other contractors bidding the job restrains any desire to pad the quote.

You save time and money in a good RFQ. The contractor makes all his money in a bad RFQ.

[jgottsman11]

Thanks guys. Didn't think about a couple of these things. Being without a kitchen and a bedroom for multiple months would not work for us. New house it is

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Thanks guys. Didn't think about a couple of these things. Being without a kitchen and a bedroom for multiple months would not work for us. New house it is

Good choice.

It’s hard enough staying within the footprint of an existing house. I just did a total remodel of the kitchen, bath etc. and was without a kitchen for about 7-8 months.

There are always structural issues to consider when adding a second story to an existing one story home.

An architect and engineer may likely be needed to expand outwards, as there are grading and compaction issues. Years ago we looked at a very well constructed custom home for sale. There were major stress cracks where the add-on met the existing home. That was a huge factor in deciding not to buy it. Those with an engineering background can chime in on this, but as a lay person, it seems to make more sense to have all of the soil to be built upon graded and compacted at the same time.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Thanks guys. Didn't think about a couple of these things. Being without a kitchen and a bedroom for multiple months would not work for us. New house it is

Well that was easy …

Sorry to scare you off the off the idea of renovating.

In all seriousness, there are many advantages to staying where you are, especially if you love the home and the neighborhood

[1William]

New house is the answer.