major lifestyle change

**rosey7415** · 03-30-2010, 07:37 AM

where do i begin? we are going to add 2 new rooms to our house and enlarge our bathroom. my mother is moving in. we are going to get one of those new handicap/old age tubs that you can sit down while showering. that is the facts right off the top.

has anyone ever added rooms? is there any advice out there for me? has anyone ever used one of those showers? i cannot tell you how major this is for us and how nervous i am. my mother has been here for one week and living at home for one week for a couple of years already. she is 84. there is no problem with her living here cause we all get along great.....thank god that is not going to be a problem. but
i am a bit overwhelmed. we just started talking about this and we are jumping in fast. we are having a family meeting this thursday. all will be on the up and up. i don't think there will be anyone against it. then we all will talk about selling her house. (it is in our names all five children....we split 5 ways. my share will help with paying for the new addition here. my mother will help a little also. thank god my mortgage is only 14,000. we were paying it off. any advice? any advice will be appreciated. thanks!

**Russ** · 03-30-2010, 07:49 AM

New construction = mess. Be prepared for that.

Will you be helping or are you hiring all this out?

**rosey7415** · 03-30-2010, 08:05 AM

hi russ! thanks for answering my call for help.....lol we are going to have a contractor. he is coming thursday. we also have a number for another one and we were going to take the best estimate or the best guy that we feel comfortable with. my son in law does all interior work, so we were thinking of the contractor doing the cement slab, the framing, the whole outside. we have our own plumber and electrician. now i have no idea but imagine that the contractor will have his own people lined up. i know this is going to cost a small fortune so i like having my own backup people. i would rather pay people i know that could use some work and i could help them out also. we personally know all of them. my brother in law is an electrician also and i am sure he would do it for free for my mother. (plus it will also take some pressure off of them as they won't have to keep checking on my mother.....we all do but they live closest.)

**Darlene** · 03-30-2010, 08:08 AM

I don't have any advice for you but wanted to send you a hug. I'm sure your Mom is going to feel so much better living so close to people who love her.

**NewLeaf** · 03-30-2010, 08:38 AM

We are looking into a room/bathroom addition too. It is scary and I completely sympathize with you. My only advice is to look online (google bedroom additions) and look at different options for the room layout.

Our addition will eventually be used for my Mom as well. For now it is needed for my family. (we have a 2 bd house with 2 kids - not working)

**Russ** · 03-30-2010, 08:47 AM

Don't forget to plan for phones lines, cable and future use of the space years down the road. It's easier and cheaper to do everything now than to have to re-do or add later.

**Ceashels** · 03-30-2010, 10:18 AM

permits, permits, permits. Don't do the work without them. If they say they aren't needed... don't believe them.

Take the time to clean up after the workers, sweep, tidy piles of lumber or molding, etc. if they see that you are looking in on the work and taking pride in the new addition, they will also take more pride in their work.

**Greebo** · 03-30-2010, 10:22 AM

Watch many many episodes of Holmes on Homes before you begin.

**skysoldier** · 03-30-2010, 11:07 AM

That is right I really think you should be more careful on choosing and to have a more presentable and pretty house.

**Birdie** · 03-30-2010, 12:06 PM

I have added rooms to a house I previous owned and can make a few suggestions.

The first thing I would suggest the researching the contractor's license and bond through your state's contractors board. In California it is online. Then they should have some info on payment; how much deposit can be made, etc. If your contractor does not follow the payment guidelines (ie asking too much of a deposit up front, etc) I would not use him.

Be very clear on which sub contractors you are requesting to use, otherwise most contractors want to use ones they have established relationships with. You might find a contractor that will not work with anyone he hand picks. That is something to consider whether you insist on your own subs or not.

Once you meet with him, if you decide to have him give a written estimate that should give you enough info to do your research through the state contractors board.

My contractor did the additions, I bought all light fixtures and had the carpeting done afterwards. He installed the fixtures I bought. Also, make sure he is willing to work with you when little decisions come up and not make the decisions himself.

My schedule of payment was written in the contract; when we completed each phase a payment was due.

The contractor should pull all permits and handle all inspections unless specified otherwise.

My experience was very positive, but mostly since I selected an honorable contractor who became a good friend. Good luck with your remodel.