Meera's Home Designs

Helping homeowners around the San Francisco Bay Area in getting building permits for their remodels.

F. A. Q.s

  • We need to have a general idea of the financial implications of our potential remodel:

Each remodel/ addition job is unique and it’s really hard to estimate the total cost since there are so many variables. The total price will depend on what you are remodeling/ adding, if it involves any roof modifications, if the area is within the footprint of the existing house or you will need new foundation, and roof, what kind of finishes you like, in case of kitchen: the appliances, countertops, if you want high-end products and so on. 

If you know anyone who has done a remodel, a neighbor, a friend, you will typically hear the overall cost they had to pay for their project, which can be anywhere between $350 to $475 (or more) per square foot of the remodeled area depending upon their design, and finish choices.

Experts in the industry have noted that, for a simple one story designs the construction cost may come to around $375 plus per square foot. This figure again has many variables, so this is only a general ballpark number. Even within our San Francisco bay area, costs may vary per city, the terrain of the site, age of the house and it’s structural requirements etc.

  • When will I know the cost of my remodel?

When you have all the working drawings, including structural package from the engineer, typically by that time you will have identified various products that are going to be used – for example large glass windows or foldable glass doors etc. too. That’s when the contractor will give you a more precise estimate for your project.

  • How long will it take?

If you are thinking of a remodel, know that it’s a long process. One has to be patient through all the phases of the project since it takes months to get a perfect finished product.

First off, take your time to interview multiple general contractors. Get a rough idea as to what it may entail, how long will the construction take and what kind of disruption should you anticipate.

  • How accurate is the initial estimate of my project?

The home owners should be aware that no contractor can give you exact estimate until they see drawings drawn to scale, with plans, elevations, roof details etc. Also, during the course of the design phase, typically more items are added in the remodel area, driving the price of the project up. The bottom line is; the actual cost of your remodel may end up being more than the initial estimate.

Experts in the industry advice to get a ballpark idea, add 15% to that as your cushion and see how the logistics work for you before you proceed with the contract. 

  • What types of fees should I expect to pay during the process?

A typical remodel cost may include these plus other items:

  • City/ county permit fee
  • Plan check fee
  • Building inspection fees
  • Application fee
  • Any other fees required by the city/ county
  • (depending on the site conditions and extent of work) soil engineer’s fee
  • Architect/ Designer fee
  • Structural Engineer’s fee
  • In some cases, Land surveyor charges
  • Arborist’s fees if the city requires an Arborist’s report
  • Printer cost- for plotting the drawing sets
  • Title 24 (energy consultant) fee
  • In some cases, School District impact fees
  • The actual construction cost (as per the bid from the general contractor)

  • I want to use the windows I have in the new addition; is that possible?

Let’s talk during the design phase and identify where you can reuse the windows etc. that you might have.

  • Does it make sense to also do a grand entry while we are adding a bedroom at the back?

It is a good idea to make all the changes you wish to do in your home, simultaneously. If you include all the changes in one application, you don’t have to go through the same process through the city again later and you save on time etc.

Adding a grand entry, replacing that old garage door will definitely add to the curb appeal and it will increase the value of your house. Study shows that 100% of the renovation cost on these items will be recouped. As a home owner, you should know what is the return on the investment in the home remodeling if you decide to sell the house down the line.

  • I want to do our remodel in phases; will it be possible?

Many people consider this option so as to stagger the expenses. Check with the city or the local jurisdiction, for the expiry date on your permit and plan your phases accordingly. Most cities will allow an extension of 180 days if you need more time.

  • We have drawings for the house from the previous owner; do we still need the “as-built” drawings?

Unless you have the CAD files and are “owner” of those drawings, we still need to draw as-built plans and elevations. We can use the blueprints you have as reference, measure the house, put it in CAD and then we can start designing.

**Disclaimer: The information provided here may change per case, based on the property area, terrain, age of the house, and the time when the remodel is done. The intention of this brochure is only to help the potential clients have a general idea about the process. Meera’s Home Designs cannot be held responsible under any circumstances for any information discrepancies with real life experiences.

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