Info on room additions

[BPCFinishing]

Hey guys, I currently work on the finish side of residential building...painting, wall repair, trim install, and recently cabinetry.  There is a real opportunity for me in my small community to do well with doing room additions, but there's one problem... I'm self taught  [scared]  I would love to be able to move into that sector in a year or two, but still have a lot to learn before I would feel comfortable taking on such a project.  My question is do you know of any resources geared towards learning about such a thing?  Websites, books, blogs etc?  Maybe this is a road I may never venture down, or it could be the next big step in expanding my business.  Any help, as always, is greatly appreciated!

Brad

 

[orm8426]

You sound like you're in the same boat as me.

I am self-taught and do kitchen/bathroom cabinets, built in cabinets/shelving, furniture making, trim, custom gates and doors, etc.

But I have no clue on the structural side of things, but don't really have any interest in it either. I enjoy doing the things people see to a high standard as opposed to the nuts and bolts that are covered up.

 

[bigjonh]

Try Journal of Light Construction, their back catalog is available in digital format I believe and is a wealth of information. Also their forum used to be pretty good, you can still learn a lot from digging through old posts even though it's not that active anymore. JLC also published 2 best practice manuals which are pretty good. Fine Homebuilding s back catalog is also available and has a lot of info, the magazine has gotten a little DIY for me, but the older issues had a lot of good stuff. 

 

[tjbnwi]

Brad,

Where are you located? Where will help frame my response.

Tom

 

[BPCFinishing]

I'm in illinois near the iowa border.

 

[tjbnwi]

Check your business insurance.

Start with the building department of the AHJ. Their application will tell you what you must have for the permit.

Who is going to create the plans? Whats necessary for the permit may not be sufficient for the building process (as you're starting out).

Sub contractors will make or break you.

Northern Illinois you'll need the bottom of the footing 42" deep minimum. For this and the concrete find really good subs.

Framing, with a helper you most probably can do it. You need accuracy, the more accurate the framing, the easier the rest of the job. Be mindful of where all the mechanicals go, make sure nothing structural is in the way of a mechanical necessity.

Exterior cladding can be a toss up, you may want to do the siding while subs work their trades. Brick work you may want to leave to others.

Roofing, in Illinois a roofer must be state licensed, find a good one.

Plumbing, again a state license, find a good one.

HVAC, may require local license, find a good one.

Electrical, may require local license, find a good one.

If you want to invest the time to learn you may be able to license for the above trades. Plumbing is hard to get the required hours for the test, the rest may not require field hours in your area.

Your subs work for you, but they also must work with you and each other. If you can find some who have worked together before that is a great benefit. Plumber should always be the first in by a day or two.

Spend as much time as you can looking at the bones of your own home and any you work on. If it looks right it most probably is. If it looks wrong figure out what looks wrong, decide if there was a better way.

Contracts at this dollar level are a must. Clear;y spell out what will be done and how payments will be made. Do not allow the client to dictate the terms, your the professional act as such. Do not allow the client to bring in their "cousin" to work on your project, never heard of that ending well.

Communicate well with the client, it will save a lot of misunderstanding and grief.

Tom

 

[BPCFinishing]

Thank you Tom, that gives me plenty to chew on for now!  And I'll start rolling through some JLC and Finehomebuilding backlogs.  Thanks everyone!

Brad

 

[Brent Taylor]

I have been a builder, remodeler, designerrors and a building inspector  since the early 80's. The best input I can give would be to find a small  builder and be up front with what you want to do. Ask to work with him /her and learn the ropes. Take a day or two and find what you like and ask to join up with them. If you go for a large firm, you will end up a gofor. Ask around and find someone you can work with, you will be happier in the long run.  Good Luck   

 

[AndyG]

Very good advice has been given here. I made the transition from sub to licensed homebuilder 3 years ago. I remember how you feel , and admitting uncertainty is good. Aside from licensing and the code and inspections there is the footing,foundation and framing tie in to make happen.  It's intimidating when all you ve done is finish work. Its worth it to partner with a more experienced guy on a few or do what I did...hire a guy with more experience. The most important aspect is being able to communicate confidence with the client ..and that's done by knowing the right language and terminology... You don't want to "fake it" all the time but you don't need the client on edge and questioning you all the time. You ll learn a lot real fast and do fine if your hearts in it. Be very careful to set up draws to support the workflow and don't let things you can't control affect payments. Example...they have their own tile guy...don't let completion of tile define a draw/payment point. Also think about rental costs and things you don't have now you may need..such as digging tools,wheelbarrows, tarps and such. You ll also be meeting new sub's so plan and line up that early or it won't flow well.  One last thing...if I ha it to do over...I' d be careful of how many small jobs I was servicing when I began this learning curve. The liability is greater, more money has changed hands and the more you can be there the better. Also, consider a job trailer at some point if you haven't.