additions (how much, homes, general contractor)

[genny]

any idea what would be a good price price per sq feet to build an addition in north nj

[BobKovacs]

Depends on whether is an add-a-level or an extension, whether there's a ktichen or bath in the space, how much work is involved in tying the old and new together, what types of finishes are going in and on the addition, and 1,000 other questions that need to be answered. That being said, you can figure on at least $150-175/SF, and go up quickly from there.

If you have a little more info, you can probably get a better answer.

Bob

[genny]

• Thanks for your reply, what should be done first an architect plans or find a gen cont.?Really confused right now w/o a plans can't get a correct estimates, i have a sertain budget will architector will concider this and plan addition up to my budget?

[BobKovacs]

I'd start by listing what you're looking to do, and talk to a few architects. Let them know what your budget is (less 10-20% for extras/changes), and see if they think it's reasonable. Do the same thing with a few GC's. You're not going to get anyone to give you a hard quote, but at least if you're going to everyone with a budget of $100k and they're all telling you $150-200k, you know you've got a problem.

Bob

[emanon]

Have your addition designed and planned by an architect. GC's can do some nice work but the design should be done by a professional designer.
Try to get at least 5 Bids from General contractors. Throw out the high and low bidder and then deceide which of the other three bidders suit your budget and time frame.

The reason I say 5 bids is because you will not be happy with the work of a low ball bidder and a very high bidder is not serious enough about your project to take the time to give you a realistic bid. The right price is somewhere in between low ball and the high bidder.

Tell all your bidders beforehand that you are getting 5 bids and don't tell them who the other bidders are. Many contractors in your area know one another and sometime "deals" are worked out.

Don't let a GC talk you into a design and build. I am sure you have seen additions to homes and thought to yourself "what were they thinking"

Good luck,

E