Recent content by Jennifer14

Thank you! So it sounds like either yours or Villa's pic will work, but I'll have to figure out what I already have and best to go with that. Makes a lot of sense. Most likely hiring a contractor but want to educate myself as best I can.

Is this going to be a photo face-off? ;) I love photos, thank you. all the conflicting info online is overwhelming so these pics point me in the right direction. I'm guessing my slab will look more like CallMeVilla's since I'm in earthquake territory. So the footings mean there will have to...

Thanks InspectorD & CallMeVilla. Both helpful. To answer the questions: we're digging in dirt, electrical is above ground, not anticipating water issues. So the footings will need a separate pour? The attached pics of the footings look like it's all just one pour? Thanks!

What's the rough timing breakdown, from excavation to the day you can start framing the house walls, to build a slab-on-grade foundation for a simple master bedroom+bathroom addition? Assume an experienced crew of (5?) + plumber and dry summer weather in N. CA. I've cobbled this together...

Thank you!!! (And apologies for the slow reply!) I knew there needed to be several inspections but hadn't appreciated just how many. The information I've come across has shown the windows and doors going in *before* the roof goes up, which didn't make much sense to me since you're risking...

Hi, Just trying to get a basic understanding of the process of building a master bedroom with bath addition. When it's time for the plumbing and electrical to go in, do the plumber and electrician go in at the same time or does one usually do the work first before the other one starts? If one...

Thanks, Neal. That's exactly what I'll do. :-)

Hey, how'd you get that pic of my house? ;) All really good points you make, which is why we're researching and not deciding anything yet. Overwhelming! Marriage is strong but we don't usually argue with power tools in hand. Leaning toward contractor.

Villa: I live in N. CA, drought territory. When you say, "This could get touchy," are you referring to when the walls should come down or the idea of using a patchwork crew made up of a structural engineer and a few guys of varying and limited experience? Great videos, thanks.

Well...I have a structural engineer friend who can help out and he knows a couple of guys who've helped with building additions before but they're not licensed contractors, then we were thinking of just hiring some other workers (like college students?) to help. Does this sound feasible or like...

Also very helpful, Nealtw. I really appreciate it. What a great forum :-)

Thanks for such a quick & helpful response, InspectorD!

Just in the very beginning of research here, obviously, but if I want to build an addition (bedroom) onto the back of my house, at what point does the back wall of the house get its siding torn off, etc., to change it into an interior wall: before the addition is built or after or somewhere in...