Contractor for small addition on the cheap
We live in the Berkeley flats in an 819 square foot, 2 bed 1 bath house - pretty small for four people. Since our kids are entering the teenage years now, we would really love for them to have their own rooms (particularly because they are different genders). So, we are looking to add on a very bare bones, simple, small, third bedroom/bathroom. We have a decent-sized yard so there is definitely room for an addition. We got a home equity line of credit for $125K and were hoping this would be enough to cover the cost of a small addition like this, especially because my husband is an architect and could draw up the plans and get all the permits. He works at a firm that does large-scale commercial projects, so he doesn't know any residential contractors. He drew up a simple plan for a small bedroom/bathroom addition and we sent it to a contractor who quoted us $250K - way more than we could afford. Can anyone recommend a contractor (or even a handyman?!) who could do a small project like this on the cheap? We can't afford anything high-end - this is bare bones! Maybe we could just leave the bathroom an empty shell and add that later when we can save up more money. And, are we unrealistic to think we could do this for $125K or less? Should we consider just putting a yurt in the backyard instead? Any recommendations or advice deeply appreciated.
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Hi
have you looked at the new modern prefab rooms. I think it is possible in that price range last Ioomed. Google pre fab modern. It might be more complicated than advertised but much easier than a full on contractor.
Btw, did you see the post someone else wrote or Avava prefab ? I have no connection with them. And your husband as an architect might know them. But they said 4 to 6 weeks done. And inexpensive. And the they look visually apealing. Im super interested in pre fab houses in general because construction seems like so much work. There is probably someone on this network who has done prefab and cab guide on what to look for and referrals. Good luck to
We've used handyman Rob Kanter for years. He's reliable, efficient and honest. He's so knowledgeable about so many things I can't imagine a room addition would be too difficult for him. His business is called Odd Job Rob.
I think it would be pretty tough to do this for under $125k, even if you left the bathroom as a shell for now. Construction in the Bay Area is SO EXPENSIVE these days.
Our home is about 850sf, and we're currently renovating it. Our project also seemed pretty small: we're turning our dining room into a master bedroom, converting a closet off of it into a master bathroom, and cosmetically updating our kitchen. Excluding the architectural drawings, we're probably going to end up spending about $125k (ouch). I had the same problem as you; so many reputable contractors seem to onlywant to work on huge, whole-house renos or new builds that no one wanted to take on my relatively small project. We're working with Kasten Builders, and, overall, I'd recommend them. I wish they were more communicative and organized, but I feel like their prices are fair, their subs are good, and they're completing the work at a pretty solid pace. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss more.
Good luck!
We've been trying to add on a simple room in the basement of our house (less than 400 sq feet with just a bathroom) and have been astounded at how expensive the contractor bids we've gotten are ($250 to $300). We have a budget of $180, so we haven't been able to move forward. I too wonder if there are super inexpensive contractors out there. We haven't been able to find them. I think the market right now is just crazy. Our latest idea is to get a fancy shed (they have companies that sell ready made sheds, electricity, fully insulted and very nice). Good luck!
You should absolutely be able to do this for $125k (but don't forget to include cost of permits!). We recently built an addition bigger than what you're describing for just a bit more than that. We were really happy with our contractor, Neal Gordon: 510-919-0739. He was honest, reliable and trustworthy, and did a good job. I recommend him!
I think you should call my contractor John Hearney, of Hearney Construction: 510-333-1966. I bought a small bungalow in Oakland that needed tons of work, done to code, on a truly small budget. John and his team of Carlos, Pancho and Gonzalo have really helped me so much over the years, and they do a great job. We built a small new room and new bathroom, then gutted and remodeled the kitchen (a mix of IKEA and other stuff), then gutted half the upstairs to expand and remodel a bathroom and make 2 closets more efficient. He's also built a beautiful fence and low retaining wall, outside stairs, and more. If you email me directly, I can send you a link to pics. John is a fully licensed contractor (and plumber and electrician), knows how to work with architects and structural engineers, and has built houses from zero up. He's very reasonably priced, super honest, and just a nice guy. My only caveat would be that he personally is way more focused on function than form - aesthetics are not his strength, so you need to say exactly what you want. But his team creates very polished work and has a focus on aesthetics.
I highly recommend Crowworks 510 520-7989. They work on both small and large projects and turned our old, worn, linoleum-clad bathroom into a beautiful, functional bathroom. We couldn't be happier with his work. Plus he and his co-worker Drew are a pleasure to work with.