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Determine exactly what problem you are trying to solve. Is it more space, better kitchen work area, windows that seal properly, etc.? Determine the timetable for when you are ready to solve this problem: as soon as possible, in 3 months, 6 months, etc. Determine what your budget is for the work. Contact a design/build firm like Leading Edge Homes to help you through the entire process.
Do I need plans drawn first to get an estimate?
Not with Leading Edge Homes! Once you explain to us what you want, we can draw a floor plan and/or rendering on our in-house CAD system to show you what your addition or remodel will look like when completed. If you like it, we will determine an estimated project price based on the preliminary design.
Do I need to hire an architect?
Not with Leading Edge Homes! We design your project on our in-house CAD system and then our professional engineer reviews, signs, and seals the plans so they will be accepted by your municipality’s building department.
Our initial visit to discuss your project is a consultation so we can get to know one another, determine the nature of the problem you are trying to solve, and offer a suggestion (or perhaps a few) of how the problem can be best solved. If your project is one in which we can estimate the cost within one hour, it is complimentary. If preparing the estimate will take more than an hour, there is a $150 fee for the estimate which will be fully credited to the design fee if you proceed to the next step.
How much to you charge per square foot?
We don’t! Price per square foot is the most inaccurate way of estimating the cost of a project, and here’s why. Imagine two different 400 square foot additions to a house – one is an open family room, flat ceiling, painted walls, carpet on the floor, and a shingled roof. The other is a master bedroom suite with wallpapered walls and vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, marble floors, full bathroom with two sinks/tub/stall shower, and a cement tile roof. Both additions are 400 square feet but the second one will cost almost twice as much as the first one per square foot.
Are permits required for my project?
Leading Edge Homes always obtains a permit when required. The Florida Building Code (Building) states the following about the requirement of a permit. “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impact resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”
Why do I have to upgrade the smoke detectors in my house when I’m just remodeling a bathroom?
The Florida Building Code (Residential) states the following about smoke alarms. “When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms as required for new dwellings.” There are only two exceptions under the code. “Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck” and “Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems”.
How long will it take to finish the project?
It depends upon how complicated of a project is to be completed. A minor bathroom update might only take a week, but a two bedroom/two bath addition with a new septic system might take eight months.
How large of a deposit do you require?
Room additions typically require a 15% deposit while kitchen remodels typically require a 25% deposit (due to ordering custom cabinets).
How long have you been in business?
Leading Edge Homes was founded in 1991 and has been continuously and successfully completing home remodeling and room addition projects for homeowners ever since. The owner, Todd Perry, has been remodeling homes since 1980.
Leading Edge Homes is licensed by the State of Florida and the business qualifier, Todd Perry, holds both a Building Contractor license (CBC057110) and a Roofing Contractor license (CCC058069). The lower the number, the longer the license has been held. Some brand new contractor licenses are in the 1800000’s.
Lots! We will be happy to provide you with references for projects similar to yours and/or close to where your house is located upon request.