Frequently Asked Questions -
About the Project

What's my "homework" assignment prior to meeting with the contractor for the first time?

If you are planning an addition, locate a copy of the plat, which is a scaled drawing that shows the existing residence and its location on the property. The plat will show the property setbacks. The proposed addition must fall within those boundaries. You may apply for a zoning variance if the proposed addition exceeds any of the setbacks, but the variance is rarely given. They will ask you to redesign the project.

If you have a septic field, setbacks also apply. An addition must be a certain number of feet away from the septic tank or field. If you do not know the exact location of the tank or field, call the health department and they will send someone out to locate and mark both.

A scaled drawing or sketch of the project is also very helpful. The more complicated the project, the more details are needed. A room off the back of the house is usually very straightforward and for the purposes of a rough estimate can be drawn on a napkin. However, finishing an attic and adding a set of stairs is complicated and may require an architect. In the early stages of preparing a rough estimate, the drawings do not have to be very detailed.