OT building an addition

[just2girls1]

I know this is OT but I could use any ideas, please. I have recently gotten engaged (at Disney) and now we need to combine 2 houses into one. We have decided to put an addition on my house so that we can live close to work, schools, etc. This would be a second floor. I have looked online for some sort of 'do it yourself' planner so that I can get a good idea of what I want before talking to builders but I have been unable to find anything. Does anyone know of any good sites?
Many thanks

 

[Mouse House Mama]

You need an architect before you even talk to a builder. You cannot plan it yourself. They have to draw it with the proper structure supports and to your town's codes. I would look at pictures of different houses and then show them to your architect so he can get an idea of what you'd like. Good luck!

 

[*pixie*dust*]

Congratulations on your engagement!

I was in this position once.
Loved the neighborhood, loved the house but needed more room. Found out that it was not possible without almost starting from scratch.
Definately you will need an architect. Depending on the structure of the home, building up may not even be possible. Talking to a builder would be "putting the cart before the horse" in this instance.

 

[shelly3girls]

I know this is OT but I could use any ideas, please. I have recently gotten engaged (at Disney) and now we need to combine 2 houses into one. We have decided to put an addition on my house so that we can live close to work, schools, etc. This would be a second floor. I have looked online for some sort of 'do it yourself' planner so that I can get a good idea of what I want before talking to builders but I have been unable to find anything. Does anyone know of any good sites?
Many thanks

You will definitely need an architect but some builders prefer to work with specific architects. If you have not chosen a builder then you can find an architect you like who will usually recommend builders. We had an idea of what we wanted to do then met with the architect who listened to us and spent a great deal of time maximizing the use of the space. We also consulted a designer who made recommendations that prevented problems later.