Getting the Right Design for Your Home

The right design is among the prime ingredients to achieving home improvement project success. A crucial product of the planning stage, failing to realize its importance would surely bring great frustrations and a waste of resources by the time the project takes shape.

Inject Your Personality into the Design

No matter the yearly trends when it comes to remodeling project designs, one thing has strongly influenced the trends throughout the recent decades and this is tending towards personalization of space. More and more homeowners are finding comfort in going home to a place that they can truly call theirs. The ambiance, the mood and the design in general can tell so much about the personality of the homeowner.

Complement

The right design makes your remodeling project complement the overall look and boost the appeal of your home. Though every room should have an interesting personality on its own that emanates with a sense of creativity and its true purpose, the homeowner still should be able to maintain that thread of harmony to make the home improvement finish feel like a part of the home.

Match Lifestyle

The right design will result to a home remodeling project finish that is ideal for the homeowner as well as the rest of the household. Childproofing measures should be implemented if there are small children in the house. Make the rooms and your entire home handicap-friendly for easy navigation if one of the family members has a disability. Finish the basement into a recreational area or home theatre for your young teens to enjoy with you and their group of friends.

Design That's In in 2011

Smaller Homes

For those families purchasing new homes, many are looking for more modestly sized properties than the McMansions of the past. Being more attracted to the space they need rather than the space their ego wants - is on today's agenda. It's all about being more value conscious and living authentically. Although some newly built homes may be shrinking in size - by only about 10-15% (reducing overall room sizes), the high-end materials and finishes are in no way compromised.

Greener, Healthier and Smarter Homes

The current scene is definitely green. Energy efficiency is fast becoming the hottest and most desirable remodel trend or "shift" in the home design and building industry.

Universal Design

Renovating your existing home and removing interior walls creates an open, spacious and more flexible floor plan. This immediately improves the layout and flow of the home and makes it more comfortable and versatile for families who love to entertain.

Work Spaces

The homeprenuer trend is not just growing - it's intensifying. With an unstable economy comes the opportunity for more people to work from home either part time or launch home-based businesses. Today's technology makes it easy to be as productive at home as in an office-based location.

Questions to Find a Reputable Contractor

Your home improvement project, either large or small, is a serious matter. That is particularly true for exterior improvements (i.e., siding, windows, entry doors and additions/modifications to your home). When you find the right contractor, you will save a lot of time, money and headaches and actually make the process an enjoyable experience. The following are a few questions that you may ask prospective home remodeling contractors in your search for the right, reputable home contractor for your project:

- "How many years has your company been in business?"
- "What is your experience with the products you are offering? How many projects have you completed with these products?"
- "What is your Company's Better Business Bureau rating and your Angie's List record?"
- "Have you won competitive awards within your industry? By whom and how meaningful?"
- "Can you show me references? May I contact any of them?"
- "Can you show me projects you have completed in my local area that may be similar to ours?"
- "What is your installation warranty (in addition to the product warranty)?"
- "What differentiates you from your competition?"
- "What is your customer-care policy after the job is completed?"
- "Do you offer design services and do you take care of municipal permits?"
- "Can you handle large exterior projects, e.g., deck, gutters, gutter guards, complex accessories, architectural designs, patio rooms, room additions, designer concrete? What is you experience with these?"
- "Are your installation crews employees of your company (or do you sub-contract)?"
- "Are you lead-safe certified?"

Keeping it Practical

When it comes to a reconstruction project for your home, it is essential that you know which areas you should definitely cover and which ones you have to think twice about. This is very important especially if you know that you have a limited budget or you do not want to spend so much on it. While a home remodelingproject definitely has maximum impact in your dwelling place, you could still be very frugal about it if you know where to start.

Turning Old Things into New Things

For example, you do not necessarily have to buy everything you need to give your home a makeover. The more seasoned practitioners of home remodeling know that you can turn old things into new things by simply giving home furnishings a much-needed facelift. One good suggestion when it comes to this is to repaint, polish or upholster old furniture. In a home remodeling project, interior design plays a lot- and this involves beautifying the things inside the home. This includes cabinets, doors, living room sets and tables among others. If you are going for a mixed-classic look, you could paint that carved side table in a light color and make it a focal point of the hallway. If you think your living room set looks dilapidated you could simply reupholster it in a more contemporary fabric instead of buying a new one. Cutting corners in the budget does not necessarily mean having to cut corners in the finished result.

Raising and Allocating Funds in the Home Remodeling Project

When planning a reconstruction for your home, you obviously have to be smart about the budget. You have to make sure that the more important fixtures are replaced or fixed - which is where the majority of your budget will go. If you think you want to do more, you can probably hold a yard sale. Things that you do not want can be resold for a good price, which when added together could probably pay for replacing the windows of your home or buying the necessary light installments that you want. A home remodeling project has the aim of making your dwelling place neater, cleaner and more updated - which also means less stuff and no junk lying around like it used to.

And finally, try to pinpoint some areas which you can replace or renovate by yourself instead of letting the home reconstruction team do. It will lessen the amount of time they have to work, will translate into fewer payments for their services and will give you a satisfactory feeling of being personally involved in the project. This includes staining some furniture, quite possibly installing spotlights or target lamps inside the house and whatnot. Leave the bigger things to the experts, such as massive carpentry or all-over home painting. These are areas which you will probably not be able to do properly, so leave these to the experts. When your home remodeling is finished, you will be very happy with the results and delight that you did not have to spend so much.

Should You Go With the Lowest Bidder?

Lowest price is an alluring way to choose a home remodeling contractor. When comparing estimates, make sure that you are comparing apples-to-apples. There are many features and characteristics that can be different among the myriad of products available. The price quoted for the project should include all aspects of the job:

- The products with defined styles, products and accessories
- Any special circumstances with either the products and/or the installation
- The warranty for both the products and the installation

A good proposal will be thorough, complete and clearly written thereby minimizing possible later misunderstandings. Make sure you know the products that are being used and that they will be installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation specifications.

Review the warranty information carefully. Ask for explanations of price variations between contractors and, above all, do not automatically choose the lowest bidder. You may find after close examination, higher prices may be justified to suit your needs and the overall objectives of your home improvement project.

Finding Your Remodeling Budget

5 Tips for Choosing a Remodeling Budget

1. Know your current bills. It is very important that you know what you spend each month prior to adding a remodeling bill. If you are not already certain of what amount of your income you spend each month you should come up with a budget and figure out exactly how much more money you can afford to spend each month. This amount is how much you have to put towards a home remodel.

2. Determine what you want done. If you don’t know what you want to accomplish with this remodel you will have trouble determining how much you are going to need to spend. A lot of times doing a full home remodel is not feasible all at once. It is important that you are able to break it down to exactly what you want done, and the level of importance in completing the different aspects of the project. You may want new windows before new flooring for example.

3. Hire a professional. Often times you can set a budget but still have no idea what it will cost to actually complete what you want done. This is where a professional comes into play. There are several companies in the south sound area of Seattle, Renewal Remodels & Additions is one of the best. By hiring a company such as this one you will be able to get an estimate of not only what the project will cost but also how long it will take.

4. Be honest about your budget. Once you have chosen and hired a company to help you with the remodel you need to be honest about your budget. If the contractor thinks you have $20,000 for your bathroom remodel and you can really only afford $10,000, this is going to be a problem.

5. Be realistic! Once your budget has been planned and you have looked into different companies to hire it is crucial to take a step back and say “can we really afford this right now?”. If the answer is no, put off the remodel until you can save up some money and have a larger budget to make your dream remodel possible.

Read more at http://www.articlealley.com/article_1987907_27.html?ktrack=kcplink

Remodel or Move?

There are various choices you can make when you deal with investments in the real estate industry. In the midst of the overwhelming possibilities, make sure that you are always making options that are geared towards profitability and the productiveness of your ventures. For instance, if you are torn between a salient decision of buying a new house or remodeling your old one, carefully assess the two alternatives and consider the pros and cons that you are bound to encounter in the process. This always helps as to whether your investment is truly in the right track.

A sound venture is something that is carefully and comprehensively studied and assessed based on all aspects of their prospective options. For instance, if you are going to buy a house or renovate your old residence, then you need to consider some of the basic resources you have specifically funds and budget. Do you have sufficient money to spend on your home project? If you are seriously considering purchasing a new house, you need to secure a home equity loan in order to finance your venture. Getting a mortgage is not a simple task to start with. A hefty amount is primarily needed to comply with the different payment obligations incurred in the process of closing your transaction. Closing costs include the fees for the provision of the title insurance and the credit report for your qualification and approval of the loan. You also need to pay for the home appraisal, real estate commission and that of the seller's cost.

Remodeling your house on the other hand only needs a smaller amount of money especially if you intend to do cosmetic and minimal renovations around the house. If you deem it necessary to make some major structural upgrade, then you need to exert more effort, time and money as well. Make sure that your home project is in line with the zoning requirement, have proper building permits to avoid code violations and the like. Heeding the rules and regulations of the homeowners association especially if your renovation is potentially affecting your other neighbors is also very important before your jumpstart your ventures.

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Contractor

• Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
• Ask other people who have done work for you in the past such as your plumber or gardener.
• Search your local and free newspapers for contractors' ads.

Always make sure your home remodeling contractor is fully licensed with state and local governments. Make sure the license is valid and up to date—do not rely on the contractor's word. You should contact your state, county, and city governments for information on the contractor's license. The website www.contractors-license.org lists licensing requirements for all fifty states. Also make sure the contractor is fully insured and carries worker's compensation, liability, and property damage insurance.

Follow this contract checklist: Every contract should include:

• Remodeling Contractor information including name, address, telephone numbers, license number.
• A list of what the contractor will and will not do—for example, the tasks you have chosen to do, such as painting or demolition.
• All materials, sizes, colors, specifications.
• A dated copy of all drawings and diagrams. If changes need to be made during the project, they should be made to these documents and initialed and dated by both you and the contractor.
• Start and finish dates.
• The times work will start and finish and the days of the week that workers will be at your home.
• How change orders will be handled.
• A warranty for one year.
• binding arbitration clause.
• A statement of how the contract can be canceled.
• A statement that the contractor will provide affidavits of final release, final payment, or final lien waivers from all subcontractors and suppliers.

Marrokal Design & Remodeling has a "Make-It-Right" Gurantee

In tough economic times, warranties are often compromised. Some companies won’t offer guarantees of their work. That should be a red flag to a homeowner.

“If I put a new roof on your house and five or 10 years from now it leaks, my company will take care of it; shouldn’t we? You want a company that if you have any problems, you know they’ll be taken care of,” says Gary Marrokal, owner of Marrokal Design and Remodeling.

He says homeowners should try to find out how problems were handled by a company that they are considering hiring.

“Today’s society and world are not perfect but how I handle those imperfections— whether it’s during the job or three years later—is what creates memorable moments for clients.”

The make-it-right guarantee is what continues to grow Marrokal Design and Remodeling.  Just ask his clients who will tell you that trust, longevity, people with experience, and a full-service company that starts from beginning of concept design to the completion of a project are what made them loyal clients for life.

Marrokal is the Company That Has Experience and a Healthy Reputation as Well as Trust

A company that you can trust with your home

Nothing can beat a quality reputation. If the work doesn’t measure up and problems with the remodel mount, the company will eventually find itself buried in lawsuits. Homeowners should always check with a remodeler’s past projects. Ask for clients to speak with and then take the time to view the projects that are similar to the work you will be having done. The extra hours of research could save you future endless headaches and thousands of dollars.

“You really want to talk to a client that the company is doing work for currently. Everyone has a happy client that had work done six months or a year ago, but homeowners should seek to talk to someone who is getting work done right now or whose home was just completed,” says Gary Marrokal, owner of Marrokal Design and Remodeling. He says it gives an accurate picture of what you can expect.

A company that has experience and a healthy reputation

The biggest complaint in the industry is that many home remodeling companies hire surly, fast-talking sales associates to close deals on remodeling projects. This creates a disaster. Homeowners feel pressured and end up with unsatisfactory remodels.

Marrokal says his company has studied customer service training, and the staff knows that the company’s biggest asset is its clients. That’s why their complete satisfaction is a must. And it begins with educating clients. Marrokal Design and Remodeling carefully guides clients, but ultimately lets them choose which level of quality they want for their home.

“You want a company that will give good value but you want a company that will educate you about the different levels and costs for products so that you can choose how much to spend ,” says Marrokal. He adds, 

“All cabinets will hold your plates but you want hinges and wood that will work ten years from now. You want a finish that will look good 10 years later.”

Smart Small-Home Remodels Offer Simple and Comfortable Living

Supersize, no more! The new home theme boasts a less-is-more attitude and homeowners love it. The smaller-home remodel trend is delivering big results for homeowners who want to bring back simple living that leaves nothing to waste in these strained economic times.

“Smaller homes are becoming more pertinent under the current market conditions,” says John Mills Davies, Director of Design at Marrokal Design and Remodeling. The negative effects of urban sprawl—such as the long commutes which impact the quality of a person’s life are causing more people to search for neighborhoods that offer a better living environment. According to the National Association of Home Builders, many baby boomers want to be closer to families and are looking for smaller homes. “There’s a lot of thought in this country about neo-traditionalist principles and how the old neighborhoods really worked well. They were oriented toward how people interact and inter-relate,” explains Davies.

“People are buying into neighborhoods that have character, are really a pleasant place to live, and where they are able to interact with people in a reasonable fashion without having to spend three hours on the freeway commuting,” says Davies.

Smaller homes are also more appealing because of the green-trend movement to conserve. A reluctance to pay for any unnecessary space is fueled by energy and construction costs and the overall desire to leave a smaller carbon footprint.  A less-is-more attitude prevails and satisfaction is found in simpler living.

How to Choose a Home Remodeling Company

How can homeowners who are considering a home remodel in San Diego be sure, ahead of time, that they’re entrusting their most expensive possession to the right company? Gary Marrokal, owner of Marrokal Design and Remodeling, says homeowners should expect a company to exceed their expectations not just meet them.

There are five vital factors that a home remodeling company should have: a staff that skillfully listens and pays attention to clients’ needs, trust, experience, full-service design and remodel, and a make-it-right guarantee. Marrokal talked with me about how he’s built long-lasting clients by focusing his efforts on these important customer concerns.

A company that listens and pays attention to clients’ needs

“We understand that clients want a company that will listen and take their ideas and expand on them so that the remodeling concepts offer various design options as well as help to enhance their bottom line such that when the project is done it exceeds their expectations,” says Marrokal.

Being the recipient of a highly coveted ethics award, Marrokal knows that not all remodel companies are built the same. Some are seeking profit over true customer satisfaction. And that’s when consumers suffer. Some companies won’t offer energy-efficient or recyclable products; thus the remodel isn’t as cost-effective when it’s complete.

“You want to hire a company that’s going to over-insulate your home, a company that will utilize techniques that can save you money on your water and electricity bills, and also make your home more comfortable,” he says.

But Marrokal cautions homeowners to really make sure they understand what they’re getting. “There are a lot of energy-efficient products that are not cost-effective because it takes too long to recover the cost of the initial product.” Marrokal Design and Remodeling has knowledgeable, experienced staff that can help you determine which products to use in your remodel to give you the most value.

Residential Historical Renovation and Restoration by Marrokal Wins another Contractor of the Year Award (CotY)!

This home remodel is a compelling family generational story encapsulated within a charming and historically significant Point Loma Community of San Diego. When the owner was a child, her parents, with the design help of her grandparents, built a modestly sized but very well constructed, traditional home overlooking a park. She was raised in this home and her parents lived there until their deaths a decade ago. Upon inheriting the home, a lengthy and meticulous renovation/restoration of this little coastal gem was undertaken.

The square footage of the house was not increased and very little was removed from the original structure except for the kitchen and main bathroom. Hardwood floors, painted moldings, wrought iron features and basket pattern brick floors and patios were painstakingly restored. The charming features original to the house have been retained and finishes made new, such as the arched telephone niche which perforates the wall between the hallway and the kitchen. This was originally designed so that her parents could easily answer their one telephone from both the kitchen and the master bedroom.

All of the new cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom are custom designed following the same design aesthetic as the original case work in the home providing a seamless transition from old to new. Highly detailed, period correct tile work in the kitchen as well as the enlarged, accessible master bath, have enhanced the charm of the original house. Planned in the late 1930’s and finished in 1940, the black and white, high-gloss tile and wainscot of the bathroom appear absolutely original to the home. Reclaiming space from an adjacent closet allowed for the bathroom expansion and the creation of a curb less and door-less, walk/roll-in shower with a seat and a multitude of plumbing features including a ceiling-mounted rain head. Matching period correct porcelain pedestal sinks, a deep soaking tub and toilet were all selected to appear original. Storage was achieved through custom medicine cabinets with mirrored doors and electrical outlets inside as well as a custom linen cabinet behind the bathroom door that matches casework in the kitchen. Original lighting fixtures were reinstalled with period correct replicas reflecting the design spirit of the original fixtures being added where appropriate. Cabinet pulls and towel bars were also selected from restoration sources for their period correct design. The top-of-the-line kitchen appliances in stainless steel mesh wonderfully with the couple’s collection of historic objects arranged behind glass cabinet doors, while providing state of the art utility and function.

The exterior of the home, including landscaping, was treated with the same care and exhaustive research. Plant varieties were selected from memory of the original installations 70 years ago and enhanced with selections which were popular from that time period. Additions were made to extensive brick work existed to increase the outdoor living areas including a new front porch. The color scheme for the exterior involved a selection process based in popular color trends from 1940, which enhance the façade and increase interest, although not the original color palette.

The owners claim that passers-by now stop and repeatedly ask about the house whereas prior to the renovation/restoration the home was generally unnoticed. The owners are once again in love with this revitalized childhood home.

The Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards are given each year by NARI Headquarters to members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects.  NARI Contractor Members are invited each year to compete for the prestigious Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award.  CotY Award Winners report that winning this award is a major factor in enhancing their image within the industry and with prospective clients, and is a major morale-booster for their employees.

An Entire House Transformation by Marrokal Wins a Contractor of the Year Award (CotY) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry!

This 1971 home underwent a total design transformation, inside and out, to become the well designed comfortable home that these clients wanted. With a penchant for old world ambiance, the owners wished their home to reflect warmth and style with European appeal.

An elevated arched tower now provides a dramatic entrance into the home from the newly designed front courtyard. Custom designed wrought iron gates at the courtyard’s entrance reflect the same arc as the towers arch. Hand chiseled Ann Sach’s tile was laid in a Versailles pattern throughout the courtyard and El Dorado Stone was applied to the front exterior. Reclaimed European pavers were set into the driveway to recreate a particular Italian street pattern favored by the owners and carriage style garage doors were installed to replace the original aluminum roll-up.

In order to effectively utilize all of the space within the home’s original footprint, the center of the residence was opened to create one large cohesive space that accommodates the kitchen, dining, library and living areas. Separate “his” and “her” offices were designed adjacent to the entry vestibule, with French doors opening to the front courtyard from “hers”. The coffered ceiling in “his” features inserts of recycled grass cloth.

The raised outdoor pavilion, carved from the formerly unused hillside, adds a final dramatic element. Carved from the hillside, this outdoor room was created to provide an al fresco retreat complete with all amenities. The conversation area, featuring fireplace and fountain, has all the current multimedia options and is only steps away from the separate outdoor dining area. The home’s Tuscan theme is displayed in unique finishes and designer details used throughout.

Hand-painted and intricately patterned tile was applied to the face of the built in seating areas. Custom scroll work railings accent the staircases, each designed with a quarter-turn radius. The cast stone fireplace creates a distinctive focal point while custom blended, hand chiseled Ann Sacks limestone tiles provide an inimitable flooring surface. The layered stone fountain, set in a fragrance garden provides a final tranquil element. These homeowners are delighted with their home’s total transformation into a tranquil retreat, both inside and out, reminiscent of a European vacation.

The Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards are given each year by NARI Headquarters to members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects.  NARI Contractor Members are invited each year to compete for the prestigious Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award.  CotY Award Winners report that winning this award is a major factor in enhancing their image within the industry and with prospective clients, and is a major morale-booster for their employees.

A Home Remodeling Story!

Americans spent an estimated $225 billion on home remodeling in 2008, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Remodeling represents approximately 2 percent of the United States economy and 40 percent of all residential construction. In the next decade, NAHB expects remodeling to overtake new home construction by dollar volume.

If you’re a homeowner interested in remodeling, what does this mean to you? It means that there are lots of companies to choose from so selecting the best company to get your remodeling project completed can be challenging. But if you understand what to look for in a home remodeler, you’ll be able to select the best one for your project.

Understanding the design-build company

Not all remodeling companies are created equal. In fact, not all remodeling companies offer the same services. A full-service, design-build remodeling company offers homeowners the ability to get all of their remodeling needs from the architectural design to the construction of their remodel met through one company that will oversee the entire project—from start to finish and even service beyond completion.

Marrokal Design and Remodeling is an industry leader based in San Diego, California since 1981. For over a quarter of a century, Marrokal’s design/build professionals have impressed homeowners with their attention to detail and unparalleled customer service. “We have a great core group of people who really work hard for our clients. About 75 percent of our business is from referrals,” says Bruce Howard, Director of Production at Marrokal Design and Remodeling.

Marrokal Wins Remodeler of the Year!

Marrokal Wins Remodeler of the Year!  Here is a short excerpt from our success story:

No one has been immune to the challenges of the remodeling market the last several years, but Marrokal Design & Remodeling has weathered the storm better than most other firms.  With a strong focus on marketing and sales combined with smart management, San Diego-based Marrokal has maintained profitability even as revenues dipped in 2009 before rebounding this year. Because of that success and the way the management team has positioned the company for the next generation of leadership, Marrokal is our  Remodeler of the Year

To see the entire story go here: http://www.housingzone.com/pr/article/2010-remodeler-year-marrokal-design-remodeling









 

Outdoor Living Rooms, What Do You Think?

Your backyard living room design should be just as useful and enjoyable as the inside of your home. Depending on the size of your yard and the needs of your family, there are a variety of outdoor living areas that can be integrated into your design plan to create dedicated space for entertaining, playing, and relaxing.

Outdoor dining rooms are quite common and often connect to the inside dining area of the home for convenience and flexibility. Your dining area may feature a rustic family picnic table, a quaint, intimate patio table, or an elegant wrought iron dining set for eight, depending on the overall style of your home and your needs.

An outdoor kitchen can be a great convenience if you plan on entertaining in your backyard regularly. From a simple gas grill to a custom design with fine outdoor appliances and counter space, there are many possibilities to make your outdoor cooking area practical and beautiful.

Outdoor Living rooms are also integral parts of many backyard designs. Before selecting the best location for your outdoor living room, consider:

* The time of day it will be used most.
* The activities the space will be used for primarily.
* The effect sunlight will have on the location.

Decks, terraces, and fine outdoor furniture and accessories can make your outdoor living room a favorite spot all year round.

Recreation areas are equally important parts of a functional and pleasant backyard. Tennis courts, play areas for pets and children, hobby workstations, and custom swimming pools can add personality to your outdoor space and provide years of enjoyment for your family.

Room Additions Are Rewarding but Also Tedious

With the economy today the homeowner should think of adding a room rather than go through the process of buying a new home when the need arises. Especially if your home has the floor plan you like and it is already decorated to your tastes. It would actually be cheaper to add a room than buying a new home. And you could make the room the size you want instead of having to accept a home that has rooms either bigger or smaller than you like.

When building room additions the first thing you need to do is buy a building permit. All states and most all municipalities require building permits when adding a room or doing any carpentry work on your existing home. You will also need to know how deep the frost line is because you'll have to pour a concrete footer for the foundation to sit on, and it has to be below the frost line. The person you purchase the permit from should tell you how deep to pour the footer. That too will need to be inspected. You can pour the concrete up to the floor level for the foundation or use blocks on top of the footer. Your choice.

Building room additions is not an easy job. There are many aspects of adding a room, or rooms, that must be considered and planned for. For the person who is comfortable performing carpentry work, you can build your own room. But there are a few things to consider when building an extra room.

The Magic of Room Additions

There is a growing quest for most homeowners and their families who have outgrown their homes to simply have a room addition done rather than sell their homes and buy a bigger one. The hassles of going through a house sale and packing half-a- lifetime worth of treasures and junk is simply too much to handle. It goes without saying that selling an old house and buying a "new" house would most likely mean relocating to a new neighborhood or a new town. Most homeowners would prefer to just add rooms or spaces that they need.

A family of 5 living in a house built for three would definitely find the small house cramped and stifling. If this is the case then you need an additional bedroom or two for your growing family. You might also find the need to provide an extra guest room as preparation for those unexpected overnight guests say, your mother-in-law (?)

There is just not enough space for all the extra stuff that you and your family have acquired over the years. The attic or the basement is brimming with boxes of old things and memorabilia that you just cannot part with. If only you have an extra storage room in the house then you could convert the attic into an extra bedroom or your home office. If only you can extend the utility room for bigger storage then you can convert the basement into your dream entertainment or media room.

The Cost of a Room Addition

Most customers have a pre-conceived idea of how much their room addition will cost. The truth is that most customers guess the price of their addition to be 50% to 80% of the actual cost. A standard room addition will initially run 100.00 per square foot up to 150.00 per square foot with the size and design being the variable. There have been quite a few additions be in the 200.00 plus per square foot range.

The bases for the difference in square foot price has many variables, being existing home structure and design for tying in the new addition, complexity of the roof design, what the exterior of the existing home is made of and finally what the interior of the addition will have in it. There have been customers that decrease the size of the addition to bring the price down but when the project is so small, there is a point at which decreasing the size makes no difference.

It takes a certain amount of effort to start and run a project and also to meet minimums for subcontractors and suppliers. The plus for small additions is to increase its size will have a very small effect on the price. Typically we refer to a small size being 150 square feet or less with these being in the 200.00 per square foot price range. The 100.00 to 150.00 dollar price range usually works in the 300 square foot and above in size. The price also increases with the square footage price with the adding of exterior projects such as porches, decks and landscaping packages. This of course does not add to the square footage of the project but does drive up the square footage price. This pricing does not include any bathrooms or kitchens with it, as this is its own project inside the addition.