Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 11/19/2005

Question
Hi,

I may be getting a fair amount of money in a few months and I thought it would be a great birthday present for my dad (and mom would like it too haha) to get an addition for their house and put a spa in it. I have no idea how much adding a room would cost, only that it would be expensive I'm sure. I definitely would want it connected to the house as opposed to a seperate building. Where do I even begin to start this giant wheel in motion?

Thanks!

Jamie

Answer
Hi Jamie - thanks for your question!

Your project sounds pretty straight forward - with the right people helping you, it should go smoothly.

Here's what you need to do. First and foremost, get yourself prepared to spend time doing research.  You need to understand what you're getting into before you commit to anything.  Most problems on design and building projects are a result of miscommunication and differing expectations.  Get organized and informed to avoid the horror stories.

Start by establishing as nearly as possible what your goals are.  Is this a room just big enough for the spa, or will it have more space than that?  What part of the house will it connect to?  What is your time frame for completing the construction?  And although you don't know how much this might cost, you should be able to determine how much you're willing to spend on it.

Next, take this information and some photos of the house to a couple of local contractors (at least 3, 5 is better).  DO NOT, under any circumstances, allow anyone to commit you to anything!  You're still doing research and not ready to buy yet.  Talk to remodeling contractors (find contractors working in your neighborhood and talk to them) or contact your local Home Building Association (look them up at www.nahb.org) for qualified remodelors.

You might also consider talking to some of the "prefab" room addition builders.  They're the ones who build the aluminum sunrooms and screened porches.  Not the prettiest structures, but worth looking into.

Show these people what you have in mind and ask them for a rough idea of the cost to build it.  Whatever they tell you, add a 20% contingency.  With this initial cost information, you'll know whether you want to take the next step.  If your budget can handle the potential cost, you're ready.

Now you need a design.  You probably found that most of the contractors you spoke to offer some kind of design service.  That's one route, and assuming you've checked the credentials of the contractors, maybe the best one.

If you want an independent designer, contact your local AIA chapter for a referral at www.aia.org.  Alternatively, check with your neighbors for architects who have done good work in the area.  An architect experienced in residential additions and remodeling can "hold your hand" through the entire process.

Costs for the project are going to vary widely depending on many factors including your location, the size and quality of the addition, the difficulty of the location of the addition, etc.  But as a rough planning guide, expect to spend at least $200 per square foot for the addition (example - a 10'x10' room will cost at least $20,000).

It's important that you are as clear as possible about exactly what you want to avoid any last-minute surprises on the job.  Don't assume anything, get everything in writing, especially the details and specifications of the design.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomesdesign.blogspot.com