Home additions
Home additions
When the house needs more room, we build it: a bigger kitchen, a family room, a primary suite or a sunroom. We work from your architect’s or designer’s drawings, handle the permits, and tie the new space into the house so it looks like it belongs.
- Rear and side additions
- Bump-outs
- Sunrooms
- Primary suites
- Kitchen expansions
What’s included
An addition is a small building joined to a bigger one. Most of what we do falls into these stages.
- Reviewing your drawings for cost and buildability before you commit
- Permit applications, and scheduling the inspections
- Excavation, footings and foundation
- Framing, sheathing, and a roof tied into the existing one
- Windows, exterior doors, siding and trim matched to the house
- Opening into the existing house once the new space is closed in
- Plumbing, electrical and HVAC work by licensed trades
- Insulation, drywall, flooring, trim and paint
How the job runs
The order of work is what keeps a job calm. Each step depends on the one before it.
First visit
What you want the space for, where it could go, and a frank talk about budget.
Drawings and permits
Your architect or designer prepares drawings. We review them for cost and buildability, then apply for permits.
Written estimate
Priced from the drawings, with allowances shown for anything not yet chosen.
Foundation
Excavation, footings and foundation walls, inspected before backfill.
Frame and dry-in
Walls, roof and windows go on, so the new space is closed to the weather early.
Connect and finish
Only then do we open into the house. Systems, insulation, drywall and finishes follow.
Final inspection and walkthrough
The last inspection, a walkthrough with you, and the punch list finished.
Decisions you’ll make
We raise these early, explain the trade-offs and give you our honest view. The choice is yours.
Match the house, or stand apart?
Matching siding, roof pitch and trim makes an addition look original. A deliberately different design can work too. The mistake is something in between.
Where do the floors meet?
A level transition avoids steps between old and new, but can affect foundation depth and ceiling height.
How will it be heated and cooled?
Extending your current system isn’t always possible. Sometimes a separate system works better. This is settled before framing.
How much glass?
Big windows bring light and views, but affect cost and structure. Window orders often set the schedule.
Slab, crawlspace or basement?
Each foundation type costs and works differently. What suits your lot and your plans is decided with the drawings.
Live at home, or move out?
Most additions can be built while you live in the house, because the opening into existing rooms comes late. We’ll be honest when that isn’t practical.
What to expect on site
What it’s like to have us working at your house.
- Equipment and deliveriesExcavation and lumber deliveries at the start. We plan access to the yard with you.
- A dumpster on siteOn the driveway or another spot you agree, for most of the job.
- Most work outside, at firstDisruption indoors is short, because the opening into the house comes late.
- Inspections at set stagesWe schedule them and tell you when an inspector is coming.
- A secure siteThe new structure closed up and tools put away at the end of each day.
- Regular updatesFrom one point of contact, with notice before any decision is needed.
This kind of work
Representative photos of home additions projects.
Common questions
Do I need an architect?
Most additions need stamped drawings to get a permit. If you don’t have an architect or designer yet, we’ll explain what the permit office will ask for so you can hire the right person.
Can we live at home while the addition is built?
Usually. Most of the work happens outside the existing house until late in the job. We’ll tell you plainly if that won’t be practical.
How long does an addition take?
It depends on size, permit review, and window and material lead times. Your written estimate includes a schedule and what it depends on.
Can you build a second story?
That depends on what the existing house can carry, which is a question for a structural engineer. Talk to us early and we’ll tell you what needs to be checked.
Often done alongside
Request an estimate
Planning an addition?
Describe the job and we’ll arrange a visit to see it. You’ll get a written estimate before anything is agreed.