Rooftop Renovation, Addition
Does anyone have any info on building an addition on top of a 2nd floor apartment? It has been hard to get quotes for the project because architects, permits need to be determined. Anyone have any quggestions on obtaining a quote before we go through the entire process and determine we cannot afford it. Basically…
Does anyone have any info on building an addition on top of a 2nd floor apartment? It has been hard to get quotes for the project because architects, permits need to be determined. Anyone have any quggestions on obtaining a quote before we go through the entire process and determine we cannot afford it. Basically we are looking to build a bedroom/bathroom addition onto an existing two story buidling in windsor terrace. Thanks
Crownheights2007,
I’ve been working very hard to do just that. The trick here is that in NYC and the boroughs, in residential construction all bearing structure needs to be non-combustible, meaning no wood studs. All of the pre-fab builders in the country work in wood or have limits to what they can do in steel. Those that do work in steel do not do jobs less than 20,000 square feet. There are some custom modular builders that do smaller scale, but their costs are typically double the current expected minimum of $200 a foot, so they’re not a viable option.
There are cases in which pre-fab can be used in NYC. The building needs to be 1 or 2 stories, or 1 or 2 families. In these cases, the state code, which allows wood construction (therefore pre-fab), actually overrides the city code and allows wood framing – but only if built as pre-fab.
As I’ve said, I’ve been researching this for a long time, and have yet to find a way. If someone could figure out a way to do small scale, metal framed pre-fab, they could corner the market on pre-fab rooftop additions and make a killing.
figure 200/sf and see if that works for you…if it does, hire an architect to make it real..
There is no way to do a cost estimate without an assessment of the scope of work to be done, the complexity of the project, the structural work required – which can only be known by hiring and engineer and possibly digging a test pit to examine your footing, the finishes involved. You need to hire an architect whose work and style you like and are comfortable with to work with you on a phase one plan and pay for it. Developing a phase two dob set and building set is a whole different process, so work with an architect who will separate the two. You may complete phase one after a few months and decide not to build, but you have to go through the process and invest a certain amount of time and money to get to that point. good luck…
You will need to see if it’s even possible… What’s your zoning R5B? Your FAR…
As an addendum, I’d like to emphasize, that, as stated by Jim Hill and archigoddess, and quote given in this phase is variable because of the limited information.
Even after complete design drawings, an Architect’s estimate is just that – their best judgment. Only once the job is Bid do you actually get a guaranteed price.
Most smaller architects are willing to have a brief meeting with potential clients to discuss scope of work (sf, general finish expectations, trades to be involved) before signing a contract. Its the cost of doing business and is necessary exactly because many clients are in your position.
I don’t really troll this website for business, but we do a lot of roof top additions, including in Landmark districts. Seems like this might be right up our alley, so we would be interested in setting up a preliminary meeting as described above.
Paul Castrucci, Architect (firm)
Ask for Paul or Grayson (project manager and postee)
212 254 7060
An architect in Brooklyn could do REALLY good business with pre-fab additions (nice ones!). there are quite popular in the UK. It shouldn’t have to cost sooo much. See UK example. We would love to do one too if we find the rt architect…See link below for beautiful pre fab extensions
http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article6718529.ece
It would be very difficult to get an accurate quote without drawings and some basic specifications to give to potential contractors. I would recommend hiring someone to do plans and specs to bid it out to the builder. If you could give an idea of the range you are comfortable spending, you can get some feedback on feasibility before you proceed.
I’m an architect and I work hand-in-hand with my contractor to provide a detailed estimate covering everything from design and filing through construction and sign-off. We can visit your residence and quickly provide you with this kind of estimate at a time that is convenient for you.
As for the budget, we’ll give you an honest estimate based upon the work required. Without seeing the conditions, it’s impossible to say more than that.
Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture