Room Addition

Expanding the living space through a room addition is a widely favored home improvement undertaking. When executed with careful design and construction, it can significantly transform the functionality of the space. Yet, like any undertaking, it necessitates thorough planning and expertise to guarantee that altering the home’s layout doesn’t jeopardize its structural stability or detract from the overall design.

The complexity and cost of room additions can significantly differ, mainly influenced by factors such as the intended use of the added space (kitchen, bathroom, office, bedroom) and the extent of the renovation. The purpose significantly impacts costs, especially considering expenses related to cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical work in projects like kitchen additions. Additional considerations involve the extent of demolition needed and whether there’s a necessity to relocate or eliminate load-bearing walls, electrical elements, or plumbing fixtures.

Expanding a room may seem daunting, given that it involves structural construction. This entails consulting structural engineers to assess the required retrofitting for supporting the additional square footage in your home. Even a minor increase in square footage can significantly alter the entire layout of your home. Homeowners often underestimate the need for additional support when expanding their homes, not realizing it extends beyond framing, drywall, skim coating, beams, and roofing. The expansion involves adding structural elements without a slab underneath to bear the weight and level the flooring surface from the existing structure to the new one. Adding to the roofline introduces stress to existing structural components, necessitating reinforcement in the subterrain through pads dug at least 18 inches below the ground. This requires penetrating the existing home’s flooring, a crucial consideration when deciding to expand your living space.

US Home Developers Construction recently undertook the design and construction of a notable renovation in San Clemente, showcasing the essential reinforcement required for added structural stability. Situated on a hillside, the project involved the incorporation of two cantilevered decks, enhancing both the ocean view and guest capacity of the home. Notably, additional support measures, highlighted in yellow, were implemented on the left side to accommodate the front room addition, roofline modification, and the two rear decks.

Understanding the engineering process simplifies the decision-making on where and how much space to add. Collaborating with a design-build firm provides the benefit of value engineering. With all construction professionals in one place, you can utilize this collaboration to design, with an engineer steering you towards the most cost-effective approach to space expansion.

We have undertaken numerous projects involving the enclosure of balconies, niches, partially enclosed porches, and other recessed areas within your home’s layout. Our goal is to enhance the functionality of these spaces, making them more user-friendly and seamlessly integrated into your living environment. For a detailed example, you can explore a recent case study highlighting the transformation of two small spaces. This resulted in the relocation of a compact kitchen to a spacious open-concept kitchen, accompanied by the addition of a laundry room. In this case study, a repeat client shares her firsthand experience with US Home Developers Construction during her Tustin remodel. It provides valuable insights into what it’s like to collaborate with us as a design-build firm, emphasizing the meticulous planning and organization integral to our remodeling approach. We strive to minimize client inconveniences associated with remodeling, recognizing that construction work in your home, especially during the current era of remote work orders, can be disruptive. To address this, we employ measures such as plastic walls with zippers, thorough taping, and a commitment to 100% construction cleanup every day. Our aim is to shield you from the disruptions of construction while delivering a smooth and efficient remodeling experience.

Planning A Room Addition

Although some homeowners may choose to undertake a few room additions themselves, the majority of such projects necessitate professional assistance owing to their intricate nature. US Home Developers Construction streamlines the process by offering an experienced design-build team that can manage and carry out the entire process seamlessly. This entails addressing all your design, engineering, and construction requirements under a single contract, providing a single point of responsibility and accountability. This approach ensures that your room addition project stays on budget and on schedule from start to finish.

US Home Developers Construction, functioning as a General Contractor and design-build firm, manages every aspect of the construction process. We commence with an evaluation of building design and oversee all stages until the successful completion of home remodel projects. Our dedicated Project Managers supervise daily job site operations to guarantee construction quality and adherence to project timelines. With a comprehensive grasp of local building regulations and a proficient system for permit acquisition in any Los Angeles and Orange counties, we adeptly navigate these sensitive issues as part of our comprehensive building contractor services.

Engaging one company for your complete room addition remodel project allows us to offer value engineering, a benefit not easily obtained with traditional general contractor remodeling due to logistical constraints. Value engineering commences with your designer analyzing your entire home’s footprint to find the most cost-effective approach to create your desired space. In a conventional GC model, you’d inform your architect of your desire to add a space for an extra bathroom; the architect would draw it as requested, and the plans would be handed over to the contractor for construction. In the value engineering model, your designer aims to optimize existing construction, minimizing costs by scrutinizing as-built blueprints and consulting with our structural engineer to determine the most economically viable engineering solution for adding the bathroom.

We aim to maximize the value of your remodeling project, which is why we work in collaboration with a team of design and construction experts. Our approach involves consulting multiple construction professionals from our team to provide you with various design and build options. Our objective is to present high-quality choices that simplify the remodeling process and offer optimal value. Once your designer and you finalize the design, you’ll receive a precise cost estimate for your room addition, with no unexpected change orders. We prioritize transparent communication to uphold our impressive repeat and referral customer rate, exceeding 50%.

US Home Developers simplifies the process of constructing and remodeling, eliminating the complexities and technical language associated with it. You won’t have to familiarize yourself with the intricate building codes of the Mission Viejo building department, which encompass 20 codes from 7 distinct city legislation departments for a kitchen remodel. We handle the intricacies, allowing you to focus on designing your space addition without the hassle.
US Home Developers has secured a spot among Qualified Remodelers’ TOP 500 contractors in the U.S., a significant achievement considering the extensive pool of 600,000 national contractors. This recognition is attributed to our commitment to a fundamental construction and remodeling philosophy. Our approach involves assembling the most adept team of professional construction managers and field personnel to fulfill your construction quality requirements and meet schedule objectives in a cost-effective manner. In addition to this esteemed construction award, we have been distinguished by Professional Remodeler Magazine, receiving the annual Top 50 award, placing us among the top 50 remodeling companies in the United States. The Los Angeles and Orange counties Register has consistently recognized us as top kitchen and bath specialists year after year. We invite you to peruse our portfolio showcasing recently completed projects. Feel free to reach out to us, and let us assist you in seamlessly accomplishing your room addition project.

What does it cost to add a room to a house?

The cost of room additions fluctuates, much like any construction or remodeling endeavor. Factors considered in the analysis of room addition expenses encompass:

The geographical location of your residence and the associated permitting and zoning prerequisites can influence costs. For instance, certain areas may necessitate vertical expansion instead of horizontal expansion on the ground floor, which tends to be more costly. Building upward incurs additional expenses, as it entails retrofitting your home to accommodate the extra construction materials and the added load of living spaces.

This may involve the necessity of excavating additional pads beneath your home, potentially requiring modifications to your existing ground floor to create the required reinforcement areas. This, in turn, may entail installing new flooring in sections that won't directly connect to the room addition. It's worth noting that different cities may have varying structural integrity standards.

Whether your lot space is limited or spacious, a general guideline suggests that expanding horizontally tends to be more cost-effective than building upward. If you have ample space, it might be a more economical choice.

Considerations related to the condition and year of construction of your existing home also impact costs. Some cities may mandate more extensive retrofitting based on the construction year or if the current condition is deemed insufficient for an addition.

The intended purpose of the space is a crucial factor. If you envision a simple bonus room with lighting, electrical outlets, and proper egress, the costs will likely be lower compared to adding a bathroom with plumbing, tile, electrical components, vanity, mirrors, and plumbing fixtures. Furthermore, a kitchen, being cabinet-intensive, tends to incur higher expenses, making it more costly than a bonus room in a remodeling project.

When creating a budget for a room addition during your remodeling project, it's crucial to take various factors into account. The most effective approach to budgeting for a room addition involves collaborating with a designer/builder. This collaborative effort allows for the design of your space, coordination with the city, and the accurate determination of the actual remodel cost, rather than relying on guesswork and issuing change orders throughout the project. Unexpected cost hikes can be disheartening once you believe you have a clear understanding of the expenses associated with your room addition project. Opting for a design-build firm ensures that you are aware of all costs from the outset, ultimately saving you time, frustration, and money.

How long does it take to build a room addition?

Once again, the timeframe varies based on the extent of your addition and its location. For instance, we've undertaken numerous modest space expansions, such as enclosing a porch or creating a window seat to form a seamless single wall. In such cases, these compact additions might only extend the usual timeline for a kitchen expansion by 3-4 weeks. Conversely, if you're expanding vertically, it could require an extra 3 months to install the required supports and obtain the necessary approvals from your city.

Are there ways to save money and make a room addition more affordable?

Certainly. Yes, you have the option to expand within the existing footprint of your home. In Los Angeles and Orange counties, the available space is limited, primarily within the confines of your garage. Transforming your garage into additional living space is a viable and practical choice. This type of renovation is known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), and it has gained popularity in southern California. Recent legislation mandates all cities to establish requirements that empower homeowners to convert their garage space into living areas, addressing the shortage of affordable housing in California. Apart from utilizing your current space, you can design the interior using cost-effective materials and finishes. Moreover, you can capitalize on your existing HVAC and electric panel to cut down on expenses.

What inconveniences come along with adding a room addition to my home?

With the current implementation of shelter-in-place directives, residing at home during the day can be quite disruptive due to ongoing construction noise. While it is feasible to continue living and working here during the initial phases, there may come a point when relocating becomes necessary to facilitate the completion of the project. If you are expanding your existing kitchen, be prepared for the unavailability of a refrigerator, as electrical rewiring will be carried out to comply with existing codes. It is essential to avoid any damage to appliances during the demolition and remodeling phase. This might entail dining out more frequently, considering a mini fridge, or planning meals in a friend's kitchen. Additionally, take into account the safety of your pets as construction professionals enter and exit your home while constructing the room addition. US Home Developers Construction is committed to guiding you through these decisions and has a comprehensive home guide. This includes information about your pets' names, your children's names, designated entry and exit points, and identifying authorized personnel. We will discuss considerations such as nosy neighbors, parking, and other home-related needs to ensure the utmost respect for your family and home throughout the construction of your room addition.