Hey folks! I've been lurking for a while gathering info, and now I'm ready to tackle a significant home expansion project. My partner and I hope to retire here, so moving isn't the goal unless absolutely necessary. I've talked to a few professionals; a contractor suggested hiring an architect, but the one I reached out to feels it's not needed for a project like mine. Today, I spoke with an all-in-one design/build firm that said my idea is feasible, but they want $15K upfront for design work—though they'd refund $7,500 if we don't continue with them. Before I shell out any cash, I'd love to hear from anyone with experience.
For context, our home is about 3,300 square feet over three floors, with a mostly above-ground basement due to being on a hill. On the side where we're expanding, there's a sewage grinder pump and central air unit that we'd need to either build over or relocate. We haven't done a formal survey yet, but I believe the extension should be legal according to zoning laws.
I'm also considering structural integrity and potential resale value in the event we need to move. Some folks say more square footage is better for overall costs while others disagree. I'm curious how that works!
We have oil heating, and I'd like to know if I can extend the ductwork from our attic into the new space or if we should modify our mini split system instead. Our budget is around $300-400K and we're fine with getting a loan for it. We live in Waterford, Connecticut, and I'm hoping to connect with those who can share practical advice or point out any potential issues. Thanks a lot!
2 Answers
This is a big investment, so consider adding a small elevator if you plan to stay long-term. It might seem like a lot now, but doing it during construction could save you from major headaches later!
Your budget looks pretty good unless you run into some nasty site conditions or if the roof tie-in is a mess. Honestly, I think your architect was spot on—it sounds like a simple project that's perfect for design-build. Just don't stress too much about needing an architect for something like this!
Thanks for the encouragement! I've heard building here generally isn't too bad because the soil is decent. Just curious, if I don't need an architect, what's the best way to present the project to contractors for bidding? I guess I still need engineers involved, right?
Yeah, you might need engineers for structural calculations anyway. Just outline your project clearly—include your sketches and your ideas for materials. Keep it straightforward!
That’s an interesting thought! Any idea on how much a small elevator would run?