Q: What are the benefits of building over the garage verses over the house?

A: Building over the garage is typically slightly cheaper and will not require evacuation of the living space. Less drywall repairs, no floor to protect/repair, and more flexibility with plumbing and electrical line routing are the main advantages.

Q: Will I need a soils report?

A: Though most room addition projects do not require a soils report, there are several situations in which one might be required. (Ex. : If you are building over a certain size, your property is located in a high liquefaction zone, or if the home is on a hillside or sloped lot)

Q: Will I have to relocate or upgrade my electrical meter?

A: The meter must be relocated to a location approved by the power company if one of the following conditions applies:

• 1. The meter is located on a wall that will become an interior part of the addition.
• 2. If the addition will be located under the overhead wires feeding the main.
• 3. The meter is currently installed not per code or per approved location.

The meter should be upgraded if one of the following conditions applies:

• 1. If the main panel is very old and doesn’t have room for additional circuits.
• 2. If the panel is “full”, but is in good condition, a sub-panel can be an alternative.

Q: What would warrant moving the gas meter?

A: If you’re building to the side or front, the gas meter could be in your way. Relocation MUST be done by the gas company, and should be coordinated by your plumber or contractor. This process can be time consuming, so it’s recommended to start it as soon as you have an approval from the planning department.

Q: Can the water main be moved?

A: If you’re building toward the front, there is a good chance you’ll have to relocate the water main. This is typically an easy task, assuming the new location is somewhere along the existing main line.

Q: Is demolition of our existing patio included in your package pricing?

A: The removal on any existing concrete slabs, patio covers, patio enclosures, decks, or any other structures, is NOT included in our package pricing and will have to be quoted separately.

Q: Can we live in the house during construction?

A: While building a single or dual story addition next to the existing house, or building over the garage, we can 100% guarantee your ability to stay in the house during the entire project! If we’ll be building over the living space, there could be a period of two to three weeks that the house will have to be evacuated, but it is not always the case.

Q: What if I already have professional blueprints?

A: Email us a copy of your plans for review, and if your plans follow the conventional architectural and structural guidelines, you should be able to receive our promotional rates.

Q: How long does it take?

A: Depending on what city you live in, the planning/permit stage would typically last two to eight weeks. Any addition up to 500 square feet will be completed in up to 45 days and up to 850 square feet in 60 days.