Q: What does it cost to add a room to a house?

A: Room additions vary like any construction remodeling project. The variables included in a room addition costing analysis include: The city you live in and the permitting and zoning requirements can impact cost by requiring you to build up as opposed to out on the first floor. Building up is more expensive and has additional costs associated with retrofitting your home to support the additional construction materials and living weight. This can include needing more pads dug under your home, including cutting into your existing ground floor to dig the necessary locations for reinforcement which will also necessitate new flooring in the area that will not be 'touching' the room addition. You may find that certain cities also require different levels of structural integrity than your neighboring city. Your current available lot space is limited or expansive; the general rule of thumb is that building out is more affordable than building up. If you have expansive space, it may be more affordable. The condition of your existing home and year built will have additional consideration to costs as certain cities will require more retrofitting based on year built or current condition is not sufficient or reasonable to add on to. What will this space be used for? If you are looking for a bonus room with nothing but lighting, electrical outlets and proper egress, then this will be much more affordable than adding a bathroom with plumbing, tile, electrical, vanity, mirrors, and plumbing fixtures, and even to a greater expense, a kitchen will cost much more than a bonus room as it is cabinet intensive and this is where most of the cost of a remodel comes in. There is a lot to consider when developing your remodel budget for a room addition. The best way to budget for a room addition is to work with a designer / builder to design your space, work with the city, and determine an actual cost of the remodel rather than guessing and providing change orders the whole way through; surprise cost increases are never pleasing once you think you know what your room addition project cost is. When you work with a design build firm, you'll know all your costs up front, saving you time, frustration, and money.

Q: How long does it take to build a room addition?

A: Again, this depends on how much you are adding and where. We have done dozens of small space additions that enclose a porch or window seat to make a single straight wall; sometimes these small enclosures can add only 3-4 weeks to your typical kitchen addition. If you are building up, it may take an additional 3 months to get the necessary supports in place with proper approvals from your city.

Q: Are there ways to save money and make a room addition more affordable?

A: Absolutely. You can add onto the space already in your home footprint. Here in Orange County, the only available space is inside our garage. This is a perfectly great space to turn into additional living space. This type of remodel is called an Accessory Dwelling Unit and as of late very popular in southern California as legislation just passed requiring all cities to set requirements enabling home owners to leverage their garage space into living space in an effort to combat the shortage of affordable living in California. In addition to using your existing space, you can design your interior with affordable materials and finishings. You can also leverage your existing HVAC and electric panel to save some money.

Q: What inconveniences come along with adding a room addition to my home?

A: With current shelter in place orders, you will find it very noisy to be home during the day and live / work through the building noise. You will be able to live here through the beginning phases, though at a time, you will want to move out to get the job done. If you are adding space on to your existing kitchen, you'll need to be prepared for no access to a refrigerator as all of your electrical will be rewired here to meet existing code and we don't want to damage any appliances while in demo and remodel mode. This may mean eating out more, planning for a mini fridge, or meal planning at a friend's kitchen. You also want to consider your pets safety during this time as construction professionals come in and out of your home to construct your room addition. Sea Pointe Construction aides you in making a lot of these decisions through the process as well as we have a comprehensive home guide to know your pets names, your children's names, where to enter and exit, as well as who we may let in and who does not belong in your home. We'll ask you about nosey neighbors, parking, and many more home keeping needs to ensure we treat your family and home with the most respect as we construct your room addition.

Q: Can I build an ADU attached to my house that is not my garage?

A: Yes, you can build an ADU that is attached to your home with a separate entrance. This is often done in the east coast with family members living above or below each other. You can take advantage of some existing electrical and plumbing but will still have retrofitting and additional reinforcements pending whether you build up or out.

Q: Can I turn a shed into a legal living space?

A: No, you cannot turn a shed into legal living space as it will not meet city codes for several requirements, including electrical, plumbing, egress, foundation and suitable roof. Sheds are not meant to be lived in and would not be approved by any city in Orange County for living purposes.

Q: How much does an ADU cost to build?

A: This all depends on what type of ADU you are looking to build; Junior ADU, free-standing ADU, attached ADU, over-the-garage, or in the garage. You can convert your existing garage into an ADU for just over $100K with proper egresses created, electrical panel, level flooring to main house ground floor level, plumbing, drainage, HVAC, kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. You may consider adding an office that would not necessitate a kitchenette or a bathroom. Add a pull out couch and you now have guest space and can save on some building.

Q: How long does it take to build an ADU?

A: Much like cost this all depends on what type of ADU you are building. You could build a complete separate home in your backyard or a simple studio. Regardless of type, this is a major remodeling project and will not be done in under 2 months. We can custom design your ADU to the purpose you are seeking and build out a detailed timeline so you know exactly when completion will be done.

ANDREW SHORE QUALIFIED REMODELER | Sea Pointe Construction

Andrew Shore, President of Sea Pointe Construction a design + build firm, discusses how Sea Pointe Construction boosts referrals and the significance of customer satisfaction in the January edition of Qualified Remodeler Magazine. Andrew also talks about the importance of developing lasting relationships and servicing loyal clients.

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