The decision to build on with a ground-level addition or second-story involves many key factors to consider. Without a doubt, it is always less costly to add on the ground level where possible. However, certain restrictions (e.g., setback requirements, views, flow, etc.) may suggest or even dictate that a second-story addition is warranted. Besides cost, there are other key factors that must be considered (e.g., placement for stairs if not already present, additional disruption during construction, etc.). Our professionals can discuss these factors with you to enable you to make an informed decision on whether to build up or out.
New Construction
Identify what is included and excluded from your price. With MJE, you know from the outset what you will pay for the project. You might assume that is the way all contractors work, but you would most definitely be wrong with that assumption. With most contractors in our field, you almost always end up paying substantially more than the initial estimate. For many contractors, this is intentionally done because all too often the lowest bid gets awarded the project. After the contract is signed, money changes hands and the work begins, there are plenty of opportunities to increase your cost for items that weren't included in the estimate. For other contractors, the price manipulation frequently happens from a simple lack of experience. Estimating remodeling/addition work is often more complicated than new construction because of the variables involved in dealing with the existing structure. Many contractors would simply go out of business (and often do) if they had to stand by their estimates. As ironic as it seems, selecting a contractor solely based on the lowest bid can be the most expensive mistake you'll ever make.
Demolition
Every project is different and there is absolutely no way to define a standard cost per square foot price that works in every situation. There are many cost variables in building an addition that don’t apply to new construction (e.g., tie-in to existing roof, amount of demolition required, property layout and accessibility, access to plumbing/mechanical, etc.). The only way to determine an accurate cost for your project is to meet with you at your home to discuss your needs and inspect your existing residence first-hand. After that meeting, we should have all the information we need to prepare a very specific price for your project.
Additions and remodeling are the core of our business and have been since 1984. However, we also provide other home improvement services including replacement siding and replacement windows. In addition, we are also licensed to provide commercial services and do provide some commercial construction and buildout.