AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
Question I want to make my recently purchased home a lot more luxurious. The first-floor master is far from being that. In order for that to happen I must knock down a few walls because this house is designed somewhat strange. Entering the house there's a dbl door entry, the foyer is about 8x10ft, sm closet to the right in the corner behind the front door, 2 bdrms divided by a full bthrm on down the right side of this foyer. Of these 2 bdrms, the rear bdrm is the master-suite, when you enter, the walk-in closet is to your left and bathroom to your right, before you enter the bdrm. To make this suite a master, I would have to combine the 2 bdrms, create a guest bathroom & foyer closet. I've had plans drawn for this solution. Don't like the idea of giving up a bdrm.
I want to add a second story to my 1600sf ranch w/w/o basement. This space will be the m-bdrm. m-bath, walk-in closet for 2, sitting area, small balcony over the 2-story foyer. This will require adding a staircase in the existing foyer where the foyer closet and front bdrm closet is now and doing the ultimate, "raising the roof". I would like to know where do I begin and who do I begin with?
Does raising the roof mean being able to re-use the roofing material, or will I be buying a whole new roof?
Will aligning the plumbing with existing plumbing help cut cost?
Are you able to give me a ballpark figure on what kind of cost I might be facing when adding a second story?
Answer Hi Vanessa:
It sounds like an ambitious project, and will require some careful planning. My advice for a project like this is always to hire an Architect, and really do a complete design. An Architect might be able to help you see other solutions that are less costly to construct, or other amenities that might enhance your enjoyment of your re-configured home, without adding significant cost.
Raising the roof most likely means ripping off the old one, constructing a new second floor, and then constructing a new roof above. It depends on the type of existing construction, to know if you could actually jack-up the existing roof structure and re-use it; this is unlikely.
Yes, aligning upper floor future plumbing,with lower level existing plumbing, will help keep costs down.
As a general rule of thumb, without knowing any further details about the project or location, it would be wise to budget about $200 per square foot for the addition. You can also call a local builder, and ask them what typical renovation costs are in your area. So, if you are building 1000 s.f. of new area on the second floor, budget about $200,000 for the project. There are many factors that can effect this budget, and you should consult with your local professional architect on this question as the design progresses; that person will be able to give a more accurate estimate. Or, you can approach with your designer with a budget, and just instruct them to design the best solution they can, within the costs that you can afford.
Good luck; I hope it turns out OK for you.
PB
