Would you spend $8,000 on a 400 sq foot addition to your home?

Question

My house is currently a little over 1,800 sq feet. It is a story and 1/2 with 2 bedrooms downstairs. Our upstairs is one big room. We have a sunroom in the back of our house that we are looking into putting an addition on to the top of which would add about 400 sq feet to our upstairs. Would you add that size room to your house for that amount of money.

My husband and I only have one child now, but would like to have two or three so we think that the extra room would be beneficial in the long run. We're just not sure if it would be better to save the money.

We also talked to a contractor and he said that the sunroom would be able to support the addition.

Answer 1

Yes, I would.  That would be an extra two bedrooms or 2 and a bathroom, or a family room, or whatever.  If you intend to stay in your home and you want the extra space and have the money, I'd say do it.

Answer 2

That is actually a really really good price for the job...almost too good to be true. Well it depends on your area. In NYC where my company is based, you couldn't do the addition for that much. I would definitely get at least 2 more estimates. Also make sure they are licensed and insured, that way if anything were to go wrong you could get your money. If he isn't licensed and insured I wouldn't do it, that price is very low, so low it would scare me!

Answer 3

Yes, and be sure to get a detailed, signed contract prior to starting before paying out a dime.

Also- research the contractor/carpenters references.

  Ask the building inspector if they have a good track record of completing jobs they take out permits for, and if he's heard of any complaints against them.

Good Luck

Answer 4

If your husband works with the contractor, then he knows his work and that's not a problem.  If the addition is well done and doesn't look like it was 'added on' or makes the floor plan look choppy, you'll get your money back when you sell your house.  So, I would.

Answer 5

That comes out to $20/sf!  It's a little too good to be true.  How does the contractor "know" the sunroom would be able to support the addition?  Check to see if he is licensed and also look up to see if how long he's been in business with the Registrar of Contractors.  Unless if you are a lawyer or have retained one to review your agreement with the builder, use the AIA (American Institute of Architects) contract A101 to make sure you are protected.  You can purchase the contract on the web for about $16.