FAQ:
What you can do in advance to make the whole process go easier and faster?
- Find plans of existing house - visit City Hall, Building Department and check what they have saved in microfilm format, very often they have a complete set of plans.
- Make a wish-list - write down all of the objectives of your project, emphasize priorities and list things that are not priorities, but you would like to do if possible.
What is the common procedure with this type of projects?
- Your first step is to obtain plans from Professional Designer in 1/4" scale. This is a very important step and all aspects of the project are to be addressed on this level as very often changes made after the construction has commenced are very confusing and result in problems. Professional Designer should supply building permit ready architectural drawings as a final product of his work.
(Very good idea is to demand a 1/4" scale preliminary design from your designer, done with all necessary details as a half-step. Such preliminary design should be taken to the general contractor of your choice for an estimate. Estimate wouldn't be the final, firm price, but would give you a very good idea about a price range. Just be aware that such plans are not ready for a building permit!)
- Second step is to engineer the plans. Commonly your designer would be able to recommend a Professional Engineer. Most of City Halls require plans to be stamped by P. Eng. and schedules that apply to be supplied prior to issuing a building permit. (If you already know the general contractor that is going to work on your project, you can leave this step and the next one for him to do.)
- Third step is to obtain a building permit.
- Fourth step is to choose a builder or a general contractor to do the job. (If you plan to contract yourself make sure that you have good knowledge of building practices, lots of time and plenty of energy. Be aware that all the mistakes made during construction will be your sole responsibility and money to resolve.)
- Set the date to start the job and GO!!! |