My husband and I would like to add a second story addition to our home. Does anyone have experience living through this and have advice to offer? Also, we are looking for contractors to do the project. So if you have anyone you would like to recommend, we would appreciate that, too. We live in NW FW, between Saginaw and Lake Worth.
hi J., We are very fortunate to have word of mouth referrals. My friend Michelle J posted a reply to you regarding my husband Jeremy Hays remodeling company, Cross Timbers Construction. He specializes in residential remodeling. You can review his website www.crosstimbersconstruction.com and reach him for a free estimate at ###-###-####. He can provide you local and recent client references and referrals.
I've been told that you have to have a tremendous amount done to the bottom floor in order to accomodate all that additional weight upon the foundation, and that it's usually much cheaper to buy a two-story house than to add a story. I once took the attic in my small frame house, and finished it out to create some small,dormer rooms when my kids were small, (at the peak, they were only about 7 feet tall), and that wasn't too difficult, but that didn't add significantly to the weight of the house, nor change the footprint, so it worked. It worked well until they were in their teenage years and grew much taller.
I recommend interviewing 3-4 architects.
Maybe someone your friends can recommend, or checking association websites like the Association of Licensed Architects, or the AIA. Check out websites and see if anyone looks interesting. Ask for an initial meeting in order to discuss your vision of your project and to see if the architect is interested and has a passion for your project.
Confirm that they are licensed Architects in your state. Ask about the sequence of how the design process, the bidding process, and construction phase would work. Ask what specific architectural services are provided. Of course ask about compensation (% of construction cost, hourly, or fixed fee).
If the chemistry is there have the architect put together an Agreement Between Owner and Architect, and let the adventure begin.
Good Luck, Be happy!
I have an excellent contractor. His name is Bart Pels, ####-###-####. Tell him I referred you & he will take care of you.
I am a designer in Keller and I do lots of work with Roy Hodges of Hodges Construction. He mainly works with remodel, but is also a new home custom builder. I am just finishing up a kitchen remodel in which my clients had multiple bids and decided to work with him. They are very pleased with him and his crew. I would highly recommed him. -T. Wolfe for Interior Design Solutions.
HODGES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
###-###-####
http://hodges-construction.com
Contact Jeremy Hays, Cross Timbers Construction, at ###-###-####. www.crosstimbersconstruction.com
You will be so pleased - WE sure are!
M.
J., let me warn you about Budget Home Improvement in Keller, aka BHI, anything that has to do with a Los Altos address. We used them for our house and they were totally not worth the money! They suck your money dry and will not do quality work. We had some work done on our second floor and they did a horrible job. We should have known as the guy seemed very desperate for our business. After that company only had the last check to collect from us the owner refused to show up or correct any mistakes they made. We tried to contact them via the BBB but even with that, they refused to face the music...with several attempts from the BBB on our behalf. And we spent a lot of money. Such a sorry way to run a business. So, if by any slim chance you come accross that company, run!
I would highly recommend Curb Appeal Renovations. You can look at some of their work at www.curbappealrenovations.com. They are very professional and very good.
