| When considering building a home addition...
Undertaking an addition to your home is a serious step. Many issues need to be considered beforehand. How it will affect the overall look of the house? Will the cost to build it will render the desired objective? How will my family manage daily life at home during the process? And there are many more questions as well.
The first step to a successful project is to hire a designer/consultant. This individual will work with you to determine your needs and plot a course to achieve your objectives. Their fee is usually reasonable and, depending on the size and complexity of your project, they can have the framework of a plan devised in short order.
Although cost is always a concern, the more important concern is the individuals you hire for your project. If your general contractor has not considering your needs in all of these areas, you may be headed for disaster. It is always wise to spend the necessary time to research and interview these individuals/companies carefully. Check for licensing and insurance. Check for previous or pending lawsuits. Ask for references and contact these references with a predetermined questionaire.
Once you have screened and qualified at least 3 individuals, then it's time to consider cost. The best way to do this is to hire an architectural designer and have them draw some preliminary blueprints and specifications for the project. The cost is a fraction of hiring an architect and will give you a firm base for the bidding process. Give each bidder a copy of these documents and the contact info for the designer. In doing this, you will alleviate any discrepancies and/or omisions in the competitor's bids.
Finally, you may wish to retain the designer onboard for the duration of the project (usually, this can be done for a flat fee or by the hour, as necessary). This will create an accountability between the designer and the contractor, rendering assurance that any unforeseen obsticles can be worked out, without losing the original intent.
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