Small addition and renovation: how to get started?

[Anonymous]

I need help in how to move forward with renovating a few spaces in my home. I need to renovate the kitchen and would like to expand it by about 10X12 (roughly) as well, and add a screened porch adjacent to the kitchen. I imagine the porch would be about 10X12, too. I also want to expand the master bedroom (on main floor, not upstairs) by maybe 8X12 feet to allow for a new closet, and then convert the existing closet into a laundry center.
I don’t know how to begin. Do I need an architect? How do I determine if I do? If I use a design/build, how do I know what to give them as my specs? I have done some relatively small, minor remodeling projects, but never something like this. Advice, recommendations, wisdom appreciated, though I imagine someone will weigh in with reasons why this is a bad idea, but I need to progress through and learn that for myself.
Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Start setting up initial meetings with builders.

[Anonymous]

An architect can help you plan an addition that integrates with the whole space, and rethink the space. If you listen to them, it may often be a more extensive/expensive project as you probably have a lot that needs to improve for better function. A design/build might accomplish this, although you likely may get some needed improvements while extending some of the inefficiencies (because the design.build may start with your assumption that you need an addition and roll forward with that as a given, whereas an architect will probably push you to rethink that assumption and uncover other factors driving why the spaces aren't working and might come up with other ways of solving the problem that may, or may not, utilize an addition). Sometimes a good builder can do all of this.

[Anonymous]

I suggest interviewing some small architects (like one or two person shops) in your area, usually they charge flat fee or hourly. The ones that charge a fraction of the project cost typically work on bigger projects than yours.

The architects will have ideas, but they will also want you to have ideas or pictures of what you like. So step 1 is make a list of goals (e.g., more storage, more outlets, whatever) and collect a bunch of pictures. Step 2 is interview architects, including some design build firms if you want to explore that too. Step 3 is retain somebody for the plans. Later you will use the plans to bid the construction project.

[Anonymous]

No matter what, you'll need an architect. Even if you use a design/build, they'll provide an architect. You may not find that size addition to be very economical on a cost / Sq ft basis. Also, is there any reason you're thinking of different sized addition space for first floor vs second floor.

[Anonymous]

Most builders and architects will do an initial consultation for free and will give a very general ballpark estimate of costs at that time, as well as answer some other basic questions.

[Anonymous]

Hi, im an architect and your project sounds a lot like the type of work i do.
Send me an email through my website so we schedule a time to talk soon.
All the best
ileana schinder
Www.ileanaschinder.com

[Anonymous]

Some kitchen cabinet dealers and designers will be a better place to start as you can get good cost estimates for the project before you pay an architect to work on a kitchen design that would be better designed by a kitchen designer.

Once you determine if the project is in your budget and have estimated pricing you can get general contractors to bid the job and an architect that possibly works with the general contractor you choose to do the plans needed for permits.

Doing it this way saves time and money and generally gets you a better kitchen. IF the cabinet dealer/kitchen designer works this way - as we do. Read this blog: https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/im-doing-a-kitchen-addition-whats-my-first-step/

[Anonymous]

Some kitchen cabinet dealers and designers will be a better place to start as you can get good cost estimates for the project before you pay an architect to work on a kitchen design that would be better designed by a kitchen designer.

Once you determine if the project is in your budget and have estimated pricing you can get general contractors to bid the job and an architect that possibly works with the general contractor you choose to do the plans needed for permits.

Doing it this way saves time and money and generally gets you a better kitchen. IF the cabinet dealer/kitchen designer works this way - as we do. Read this blog: https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/im-doing-a-kitchen-addition-whats-my-first-step/