We have a cape cod house and Is small house but have enough land that we can extend the home from basement to second floor. Along with hiring architect and general contrator and permits which is the process we have to go through. Wanted to know following
1. Is there anything particular we have to keep in mind?
2. How do i estimate the cost to make sure its even worth extending or buying new home which is big enough to meet our requirements.
3. Other thought was since its capecod bedroom space drastically reduced on 2nd floor. Can that be like how we have walls in colonial so taking out the roof and making it straight?

Please share some thoughts or if someone has already done it share some real facts.
Thanks,
S2K

 

#1 - check references!

#2 - you have to get an idea of what you want including size to even get a rough estimate. You might be able to call around and get a generic sq ft price but details can alter any price.

#3 - not sure what you are asking the roof can be blown off to gain more space and/or the addition can match or not the existing. As always the better the finish product looks [old mating with new] the more value it will add.

 

You hire the architect first. The architect will provide some ideas and costs involved. This will cost you, but only like a consultation. Basically you're paying for renderings/sketches and ideas.

After that is when you decide if it's worth the price. An example would be adding a room addition versus second floor, do you want to spend $40K or $100K?

 

Thanks Marksr & Handyman,

Actually you guys brought up a good point. It might be wise to see if we change the capecod to better straight (like colonial) second floor which might be cheaper then adding space on side. Definitely still have to meet an Architect and check.
Thanks again.
S2k