Room Addition Contractor In Los Angeles

Instead of the single “bundle of joy” that the fabled stork was expected to leave at your front door, the long-necked wading bird surprised you with triplets making your three-bedroom home way too small for your now large family. You don’t want to move for many reasons. The two older kids like their school, your wife likes the neighborhood and you don’t want a longer commute to work with the higher expenses for gas and maintenance on your aging car. The most obvious solution to increase your living space is to enlarge your home by adding a room.

Residents of Los Angeles are adding room additions to increase the space and vaulue of their homes

The gentleman in the above scenario knows why he needs to add a room and what the purpose of that room will be. Other scenarios range from wanting to add a home office, create a guest bedroom or simply as an investment to increase the value of the house. This article will not focus on the final use of the added room but rather on how to choose a qualified room addition contractor and what the contractor’s functions are.

There are thousands of resources from books to blogs dispensing advice on how to choose a qualified contractor for almost any construction project, but it usually boils down to a few characteristics. First, look for an aura of professionalism and competence. This is not a personality test, so you will need to set aside your emotions, but not your intuitions, when interviewing a potential contractor. Second, be sure the contractor has references and a portfolio of work to demonstrate experience and knowledge. Third, do not concentrate on the finances at first, but do try to establish a positive rapport. This will keep lines of communication open for both of you to earn each other’s trust. Remember that the contractor must know that you intend to pay for a job well done so establishing trust is an important factor when selecting a contractor. It’s also wise to get at least two bids for comparison.

One alternative to consider if you do not have the budget for a full fledge room addition is to add a simple sunroom

While a sunroom is not the solution for the parents of triplets it will provide an unadorned place to play and even relax. It will lack any plumbing and may not even have any electrical outlets, but the lower cost will compensate for any lack of amenities.

A room addition is like building a new home as a new foundation will be laid

The frame for the walls, roof, flooring and the ceiling will be built. Windows and doors will be purchased and installed. New electrical wiring and insulation that complies with any building codes will be installed. Exterior walls will be covered to match the rest of the house be it vinyl or aluminum siding, stone veneer or stucco. If the roof has shingles the new room will need matching roof shingles as well.

The signed contract with your room addition contractor should include exact details of the added room but it is crucial to discuss what is not included

Be sure to ask about any demolition or site preparation costs, fee payments to the city or county, drywall installation and any interior painting. If the room is to have a sink with running water, the plumbing costs are likely not included in the contract. Expect to pay extra for any features or custom work performed on the room’s interior.

Finally, the room addition contractor will be able to plan where to make the addition

You will want the room to look like it was meant to be part of the original house and not some slapped on protuberance that literally sticks out like a sore thumb. If adding an extension eliminates your back yard or results in a window too close to your neighbor’s house, the contractor can advise on a second story room addition or even adding a room over your garage.