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OK, we've finally decided to move forward with adding on to our house. We're literally busting out at the seams in our 1,200 sq. ft. Cape. We'd like to build up (either with a dormer or full extension) and out (converting some of the footprint of our oversized deck with an extension of the kitchen and to build a screened in 3 season porch). We're also looking into the possibility of a heated sunroom.
I wondering if anyone here has gone through a renovation - experiences, what type, if you used an architect or a designer/builder, how it affected your living situation etc.
I'm also planning on converting the unfinished portion of our basement to a playroom - doing it myself (I have some experience with framing and drywall and electrical work). Anyone done that?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Opus!
No advice, but we just bought a cape, about the same size, and are interested in building on using dormers, etc so I'm curious to see what you hear. Good idea to start a thread about it!
Good luck.
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Ah well fortunately you know the right people! DH is a general contractor who does residential remodeling. We had a small cape that we did a lot of renovating to and now we are in a ranch that we have done a bit of remodeling too as well.
DH is a little different because he has a degree from Wentworth in building construction so he knows more than the average contractor. So many times he will do the plans and design for additions etc. For people who are planning really large additions with crazy roof lines or something like that he will recommend them to go to an architecht. Just beware that some architechts don't always think about the cost of some of the materials or things that they recommend..(one common complaint I have heard over the years from DH). I can ask DH for some recommendations if you want...
We did do our basement over and obviously DH did all of that - I know we had friends that were going to do it them selves and they didn't know the difference between blueboard and sheetrock and the process...
I know that depending on how extensive your renvoation is - sometimes it's quicker for it to be done while you aren't there - the contracters dont have to worry about cleaning up everything at the end of every night to keep it out of your way.
Pm me if you have any questions as I am happy to help my forum friend! and I"m not going to plug DH's business as he is getting out of working for himself and he's too lazy to drive to your town anyway!!!
Karen
Karen -
Thanks for responding, I'll definately have some questions for your husband. I do have a couple of quick ones for you now - when you guys renovated your basement did you use blueboard or sheetrock? And (assuming you have masonry walls like we do) did you apply waterproofing to the walls before you starting putting up studs?
I used to work with a couple of guys who went to Wentworth one was in the architectural engineering program and the other was in the building construction program. My background is in HVAC engineering so I have had a lot of dealings with architects - most of them I've worked with were lousy at estimating, lol (like conveniently leaving out overhead & profit)...so I couldn't agree more with your husband.
Anyhow, thanks for the help and hopefully Julie can get something out of this, too.
Hi-
Sorry for the way delayed response...I keep getting confused about the sheetrock/blueboard - we used whichever one you plaster...we didn't put up waterproofing as we were on a hill but I will double check...