Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect, both disruption wise and cost wise? Also, any recommendations of a good contractor by someone who had the addition, would be appreciated. Thanks

Don't forget about getting a permit and probably going before the zonning board

We're going through one right now, but I think there's probably a lot of variation in cost and disruption based on so many factors. Ours is pretty substantial. We're living in a rental for 7 months while the work is being done, and pretty much every inch of the house is being affected. PM me if you want more details.

(Btw - it's worth every penny and moment of disruption!)

can i ask why it is worth it...i am just curious...is it really that much more space? it just seems like one extra room...

It certainly wouldn't be worth it for everyone, and I know on a $ per square-foot-added basis it's hard to justify. But for us it's the right decision. Without it, we would have had to move. We are definitely doing this renovation with the intent of living in the house for a long time, not with the intent of making our money back with a quick sale.

Doing the renovations enabled each of us to have an office, and each of our boys to have his own room. We had a small third floor room and a tiny bathroom up there, but we expanded the floor (it was only built on half the house) and created a larger BR, large BA, and office.

But as I said, our renovation is extensive and a more focused addition would be much less disruptive and expensive. In addition to expanding the 3rd floor, we're adding an attic, creating zones for heating and cooling, moving the 2nd to 3rd floor staircase, expanding the second floor bathroom, re-doing all the trim, doors, closets, windows, and adding a family room/bathroom over our detached garage.

We really didn't want to move, and didn't think we could find something as right for us - location, garage, large garden, etc. - for what the house and the renovations are costing. So even though from some perspectives it's hard to justify, we know it's the right decision for us. Now we just want to be finished!

can you say spamalot

remember don't go past 35 feet high and you can probably have a master bdr with master bath leading out to a roof deck. Depending on layout of staircase and the drawings you should be able to have a sliding door too

Hello everyone and Happy Tuesday,

When having worked performed on a house of this signficance, you want to make sure that the contractor(s) are licensed, insured and have a good track record. I was a licensed general contractor in the city for years and most reputable contractors will guarantee their work for one year along with manufacturer's warranties.

Make sure that all necessary permits/zoning are opened/closed by local authorities as there are contractor that will open permits and never have them closed which means no one has checked the work. Be an active participant in this process, check with the local better businees bureau, do your due diligence/homework.

Does the contractor guarantee the work? one year standard
Will the contractor pull/close township permits? standard
Does the contractor work with a architect or engineering firm? a good sign of a reputable contractor tho probably costs more.

There are many variables other than time and money that go into the price range.
Like some contractors just bought a new boat, or are getting divorced, or have a wife and a girlfriend, or gambling problem, et cetera. I did an inspection on a house that converted the attic into a work out gym/entertainment area that cost $100,000 and looked great, the contractor even opened the permits for the job, only problem is when the owner went to sell the township inspector noticed the work was never authorized and created another $20,000 headache because the contractor had modified all the framing/trusses weakening the structure.

Another good guideline is never pay more than 50% in the beginning, than pay another 35% in the middle of the project, and the final 15% at the end, this 15% is a large enough figure that the contractor will want to stick around and collect. Any contractor that wants all the money up front and or is hounding you for money during the project is indicative of a fly by night operator or someone financially unstable and SHOULD BE A BIG RED FLAG.

I hope this helps,
later,
BC

according to an old acquaintance, a third floor in the neighborhood of 22th and pennsport was going to cost around 100k in 2005.

when they got the price, they decided it was better to sell the house and move to bigger pastures.

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We are in the process of buying a small 2 story row home in So. philly area and are researching possibilities for doing a green roof. We will contact L&I but wanted to ask people in area what you know about rules, regs, reactions to building rooftops on 2 story places. Am hearing contradictory info. If you know anything, help, please!