Hiring a Room Addition Contractor
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
You've dreamed of a large kitchen room addition that will accommodate all the holiday activities with your extended family. This type of project involves specialized skills that go beyond just replacing your cabinets. As you talk with contractors, here's how to find one with the expertise you need.
A kitchen addition involves several important skills that go beyond a typical kitchen remodeling, including:
This type of system can work well, but be sure the contractor has long-term relationships with the subcontractors. If the contractor refers a lot of work to the subcontractors, then the subcontractors are more likely to go above and beyond to get the job done. Also, ask the contractor how they supervise the subcontractors, and how they handle any concerns about the subcontractors work.
Also look to see how the addition blends in with the original house. Is it a seamless look or can you tell that the room was added?
Building a room addition is an exciting adventure. Before hiring the first contractor you interview, take some time to understand the details of the work. Then look carefully at each contractor's work and select the contractor that best fits your style and needs.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
- Architectural drawings
- Zoning consideration
- Excavation
- Building a foundation
Full Service Remodeling Companies
There are some companies that offer all these services from within their company. They often refer to themselves as "full service" or a "design build company." They may have an architect on staff who draws the addition and oversees zoning approval. Other employees handle the excavation and concrete work for the foundation of the room addition. Among the benefits are:- You're just dealing with one remodeling company for all the work.
- More accountability. If you have a problem with one employee you can ask the main supervisor for help.
- Ideally you will avoid major time delays, as the workers on each stage are from the same company.
Remodeling Companies and Subcontractors
Other remodeling companies use employees for some jobs, then use subcontractor for others, such as:- Architectural drawings
- Excavation
- Foundation work
This type of system can work well, but be sure the contractor has long-term relationships with the subcontractors. If the contractor refers a lot of work to the subcontractors, then the subcontractors are more likely to go above and beyond to get the job done. Also, ask the contractor how they supervise the subcontractors, and how they handle any concerns about the subcontractors work.
A Contractor's Credentials
The remodeling contractor you hire should have plenty of solid references from people who have completed similar room addition projects. Always go look at the contractor's work in person and ask questions about:- The contractor's planning and scheduling - was the project completed on time and within budget?
- Communication - did the contractor discuss issues as they arose and offer solutions to any concerns?
- The contractor's ability to handle surprises - most remodeling projects uncover some surprises with plumbing, electrical, framing or other areas. Can the contractor adjust to the changes and make good recommendations on how to proceed?
Also look to see how the addition blends in with the original house. Is it a seamless look or can you tell that the room was added?
Building a room addition is an exciting adventure. Before hiring the first contractor you interview, take some time to understand the details of the work. Then look carefully at each contractor's work and select the contractor that best fits your style and needs.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
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