WESTSIDE'S KEY POINTS

Home additions need time and careful planning in order to be succesful.

Here are some important steps:

• Before starting anything, speak with your city counselor on what you can or cannot do.


• Get a rough estimate from 2 contractors that you may understand your costs, "architects are always lower than the actual contractor estimates."(Avg. costs: $175 - $225 sq. ft.)


• DO NOT use an architect, you will pay $$$$ thousands of dollars! For most cities, a technical plan is sufficient, some cities may require the structural assembly plan supplied by the fabricator and have the engineer seal on it, but that should be provided by your contractor at no cost.