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nbird
LIF Infant
Member since 11/06 73 total posts
Name:
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extension/rebuild: where do I start?
My husband and I want to figure out if it would be cheaper to put an extensio on our house/rebuild or sell and look for something new.
Where do we start? Call an arcitect or contractor?
Also, does anyone have a recommendation for someone reliable and reasonable?
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Posted 7/31/07 4:52 PM  |
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Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate
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JldDolphin
Member since 1/07 6929 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
I would call a general contractor first and let them give you an estimate for the work you want and make a decision from there. Sometimes it's not as pricey as you might think, but sometimes it is. I don't know which is easier, the remodel or the move. 
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| Posted 7/31/07 5:16 PM |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10312 total posts
Name:
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
Call a contractor/builder. They can give you a general estimate and recommend some architects.
It can vary greatly. Our friends put on an addition that consisted of a Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom, Office and His & Her Closets and it cost them 400K.
We were going to do a large 2 car garage (and make the existing 2 car garage the kitchen), some aesthetic changes to the front along with a porch and it was going to cost 100-150K.
(That price doesn't include the kitchen remodel costs, just the structure.)
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| Posted 7/31/07 6:43 PM |
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
Definitely get some quotes from contractors first - just have a general idea what you want, and they can give you a general price. Of course, if you upgrade or add things, the price goes up.
If you decide to go forward, I would recommend going to an architect for plans and then showing those plans to contractors to get exact prices. We let our contractor do our plans and looking back, it would have been better to have an independent architect complete the plans.
The work takes a long time and it is a huge mess. We are almost done and it can't be soon enough for me!
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| Posted 7/31/07 7:24 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
I know most of the responses have said to get a quote from a contractor, but I have to disagree. I would say get an achitect to draw up plans of what you want. Then, once you know exactly what you want and plans drawn up contact a contractor.
This will enable the contractor to give you the most accurate quote they can.
My DH is a contractor and I know when there are blueprints involved in as big a job as an extension he's always able to give a more realistic/accurate quote.
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| Posted 7/31/07 7:37 PM |
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
Posted by Jennie0898
I know most of the responses have said to get a quote from a contractor, but I have to disagree. I would say get an achitect to draw up plans of what you want. Then, once you know exactly what you want and plans drawn up contact a contractor.
This will enable the contractor to give you the most accurate quote they can.
My DH is a contractor and I know when there are blueprints involved in as big a job as an extension he's always able to give a more realistic/accurate quote.
The only reason I suggested getting quotes from contractors with a general idea instead of plans is she doesn't know if she wants to expand or sell and buy something else. The general price will allow her to determine an approximate cost without the expense of an architect.
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| Posted 7/31/07 8:00 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
Posted by MommaG
Posted by Jennie0898
I know most of the responses have said to get a quote from a contractor, but I have to disagree. I would say get an achitect to draw up plans of what you want. Then, once you know exactly what you want and plans drawn up contact a contractor.
This will enable the contractor to give you the most accurate quote they can.
My DH is a contractor and I know when there are blueprints involved in as big a job as an extension he's always able to give a more realistic/accurate quote.
The only reason I suggested getting quotes from contractors with a general idea instead of plans is she doesn't know if she wants to expand or sell and buy something else. The general price will allow her to determine an approximate cost without the expense of an architect.
That is a good point, I missed the part where she said they weren't sure if they wanted to expand or sell. 
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| Posted 7/31/07 8:09 PM |
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nbird
LIF Infant
Member since 11/06 73 total posts
Name:
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
thnks everyone!
Any recommendations for a contractor?
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| Posted 8/1/07 12:41 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
Posted by MommaG
Posted by Jennie0898
I know most of the responses have said to get a quote from a contractor, but I have to disagree. I would say get an achitect to draw up plans of what you want. Then, once you know exactly what you want and plans drawn up contact a contractor.
This will enable the contractor to give you the most accurate quote they can.
My DH is a contractor and I know when there are blueprints involved in as big a job as an extension he's always able to give a more realistic/accurate quote.
The only reason I suggested getting quotes from contractors with a general idea instead of plans is she doesn't know if she wants to expand or sell and buy something else. The general price will allow her to determine an approximate cost without the expense of an architect.
ITA. Before spending money on an architect, get an estimate.
We had 3 companies coming to our house and tell us how much it would cost for an extension. Unfortunatelly for us, the price of the extension would place our house above the local market if we were to sell it later and it would not be worth it. We can buy a bigger house that would cost less than our house with the extension. By getting an estimate, you get a ball park to where you stand.
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| Posted 8/1/07 2:07 PM |
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
Posted by nbird
thnks everyone!
Any recommendations for a contractor?
I would agree get quotes before you invest the money in an architect. My General Contractor gave us quotes and he was very close to the final amount.
Excell Homes
631-445-9114
We have recommended him to two other friends and both were happy with his work.
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| Posted 8/1/07 2:21 PM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: extension/rebuild: where do I start?
You also might want to go to the town to see what the extension would do to your taxes. You should consider that in the equation of buying bigger vs. remodel
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| Posted 8/1/07 2:44 PM |
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