Part 22: Renovations - Renovations - Renovations

Bathroom renovations that require construction beyond the footprint of the existing residence, as mentioned in our last construction tips, require more planning than the renovations within the residence.

The first step is to locate an experienced residential construction contractor that specializes in that particular type of renovations; usually apparent in their advertising or by a referral. A basic idea of the specific needs and styles good for starting off. Quality of fixtures is important because of the vast range of cost from very high end to standard builders grade. There is a tremendous difference in cost. Material preferences are also an important factor to be considered. Natural stone countertops and tile are usually most desirable, but unfortunately cost the most. Renovations with marble, granite, and quartz seem to be at the top of the list of most desirable materials. Other manufactured types simulate and cost less, but look-a-like substitutes are by no means as beautiful and durable as real natural stone. After finding direction in style, quality, and material tones, design and placement with adequate spacing can come into play. Plumber's approval is necessary to assure the plan will meet the code.

Now the renovation-additions size can be determined to accommodate the basic design. If all is good we can proceed. With the foundation type. A full basement type foundation is rarely chosen because of the considerable cost, most likely tens of thousands of dollars that only a sizable budget could support; but we will visit the idea to show cost. A full basement requires enough space with a lot of setbacks and the subsurface is a factor; sandy soil, shale, boulders, terrace +moisture are all factors that the excavator needs to know to place out the costs. If all is well, the area has to be surveyed by the contractor or the excavator, marking out the proposed site before calling the"800 dig" number to come and mark-out where, water lines, gas lines, electrical or other buried utilities are located to insure the excavator does not break or rupture any lines.

After the mark-out we can schedule the dig, keeping in mind that any unforeseen problem represents extra costs relative to the problem. There has to be adequate access for the back hoe and cement truck. If the concrete truck cannot pull up to dig within the distance of the chute, it has to be either wheel-barrelled in or pumped in with a special pumping machine and special concrete mix that can go through the pump and hose. As you can already see, the cost of digging a full basement and foundation has escalated dramatically. Manual labor is very expensive and laborers are becoming a scarce entity. Special equipment (cement pumper) is equally expensive. As you can see a renovation bathroom addition takes careful plans with a very experienced contractor and a very generous budget. When digging, the weather also has to be taken into careful consideration and timing. If after the excavator digs and there's a heavy rain the water and mud has to be removed before the footing inspection takes place.




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