Cape Dormer

I've gotten more than a few FM's on my cape dormer project (which started yesterday) so i thought I'd answer a couple of the questions here

* Yes we got 3 estimates, we didn't go with the cheapest - but the estimate we got has gone up by over $10K just for "little" things

The unexpected
* Make sure you include town permit and inspection fees. We are almost $5K in to the town.
* Make sure if your plans are denied you go with your architect to discuss what was rejected by the town. (for us we were 6 inches over the average front yard setback) the town did not consider our entryway part of the foundation (even though we have a basement) when we sat down with them and showed them we had a basement under the entryway they changed their decision
* Ask the questions yourself. Contractors make assumptions based on previous experiences, but not all towns are the same. For us it was HVAC variance vs non-variance for placement of the machines
* Remember the fence company and the shed company that told you that you dont need a permit? THEY LIED. check with your town and be prepared to pay.
* Ask your contractor if these are included in the price:
* hardwired smoke/carbon monodixe detectors (required in certain towns)
* selection of cabinets for bathroom (not just one in different styles)
* how far up the wall (if any) will they go with tile
* What type of insulation are the using and will it be soundproof and will it be mold resistent
* What type of supports are they going to use and will that affect rooms that you didnt anticipate construction. For us they moved the extra support from ripping up our basement to not touching the basement and putting them in the attic
* If you are adding to your house and to your existing siding - is your siding still made with the same die lot or are you going to have to reside the whole house.

For the Job:
* Who is going to be onsite everyday, what time they will be there, and if they will have a portapotty onsite.
* What are the work hours will you expect laborers to be at the house
* What type of deliveries will be made and where will they be placed

Also consider:
* Do you need to move out of your house? Where will you go and for how long? Now add a month to that time frame are you still comfortable with that move decision?
* Do you need a POD? If so are you going with PODs (we did NOT like their presentation - we went with NY Container)
* BLINDS - Don't forget all the new windows you will have to cover - that expense will add up quickly.


That's all I can think of, I'm sure there are ladies here who have more experience and can add to this - I just figured I'd start based on the FM's I got.

Cape Dormer

All important points, I went through it and would say, keep in mind, this is a messy process. staying on top of the contractors is definitely key, however, sometimes you have to let them do their thing.

I would say the biggest thing is, if you have a question as to what is going to happen, what is going to be used, don't assume, ask the question. Everything from what is included from trim, to doors, to tile, to flooring, to ceiling fans, highhats, outlets, cable outlets, attic access, attic flooring, insulation, closet lights, heating, where units will be placed, etc etc.

point is, if there is a nice option and a cheaper option, I'd assume the cheaper option is going in, unless otherwise specified(paid for). if you don't think there is a cheaper option..... you're wrong.... there is almost always something cheaper/crappier than what you expect.

And this is a personal pet peeves.....
get central air, don't have AC units hanging out the side.
put some windows on the side of your house for cross ventilation.
put some design into the house, but with some balance

Re: Cape Dormer