adding sq footage to a house (square footage, appraisal, agent, sale)

[nidss77]

hello everyone, I am hoping some people with experience and/or architects, engineers etc can give some advice.
there is a nice property we saw that is up on market during winter and we think we can get a great deal. however the house is a little smaller than we would like although it has nice bones. the main master bedroom, is great size but the other 3 bedrooms are VERY small.

My husband thinks we can add on to the house, like a whole unit to one side, with an extra bedroom and bathroom.

does anyone know how involved this process can be? what IS the process and how long can it take.

the house is in a great location and has a very nice yard etc.

[BirdieBelle]

Depending on the size of the addition, the process could take several months to a year. It REALLY depends on a lot of factors. You would have to interview and select an architect and contractor, determine what approval process your local municipality requires, see how long the design and permitting phase usually takes, etc.

BUT there are some very important questions you would need to ask first:

Is the house on septic or sewer? This would affect your ability to add on, especially a bathroom.

What are the building setbacks on that lot? You may not be able to add on a particular side of the house.

Is there any flood plain on the lot? That can affect whether the building footprint can be expanded.

Have your agent ask these questions at the local building codes/planning office BEFORE you make an offer.

Also: Adding square footage will trigger a reappraisal and will increase the amount of property tax you would pay.

[BoBromhal]

ask your agent to get you in touch with a qualified contractor.

[46H]

Get a decent estimate for the addition and include everything from permitting, architects, engineering, building, outside finishing, etc. Then add 35% to that number. Take the estimate plus 35% and add it to the original cost of the house. Now see if you can buy a house in that area for that money.

I would try to buy a house that works for my family now and skip the building on part unless the house + the cost of the addition are substantially less than the other houses in the neighborhood.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Unless the lot is really special and there is nothing else for sale where the location suits you, it is a heck of a lot cheaper to buy a larger house than it is to have additions built.

[MidValleyDad]

Also make sure you are within any zoning limitations (setback lines, sewage capacity limitations, etc) first