steps for addition

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1. Hire a certified inspector to go over all your issues and discuss options for an additon. You don't want to put the addition on only to find out that you have termites, or you are on a sinkhole or something wierd like that. They will give you a written summary of anything they find.

2. Hire an architect to create plans for your addition. Give as much detail as possible so the bids can be more easily compared. Specify exactly how many outlets, the types of floor, walls, insulation, roofing, windows. The architect could give you an idea of the estimated material charges once these plans are completed.

3. Interview as many builders as it takes to get an idea of a good price with a quality builder, check references, insurance, and complaints from the local better business agency in your area. Also ask about subcontractors and insurance coverage. It wouldn't hurt to also discuss this with you own home owners agency, just to make sure you are covered.

Work with the selected builder to develop a plan for construction, then set up a stepped payment schedule, make sure you hold money back until everything is 100% complete. At each step of the process, payments can be made. If the builder is small time, he'll ask for up front money to defray his costs...larger builders will have enough to cover the building costs.

4. The builder will take care of the rest.

Get everything in writing, always. Also, give everything to the builder in writing, even small changes to the plans. This protects everyone involved.

Hope this helps