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SeanPizzle SeanPizzle is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 463
Never underestimate the sheer PITA factor of your local building dept. they will put up many roadblocks and have their hand in your pocket at each step of the way. I just built a shop with finished space upstairs (~750SF).

You will have lot coverage limits. SF/Acre
You will have limits as to height, especially if you will block existing views.
You will have to include fire sprinkler system in all new construction. Expect to add $30K+ to the price of the build for what you are describing.
You will need to mitigate any existing foundation/structure to meet new seismic standards if you want to add the second floor.
You may need to re-do your sewer connection and water main in a 60 year old house.
You will need to pay everybody: traffic impact fee, sewer upgrade fee (based on number of bathrooms), school fee, parks fee, construction tax, plan review fees, and all the other building permits. I would expect 25-65K for all this depending upon where you live.

You may be better off, as was mentioned, to do new construction from scratch. Ask a builder who works in your City what the differences are between a one-wall remodel and new construction. Ask the same question of the building department. Keep in mind the Building Dept's goal is to maximize their pension plan...er...fees
Old 01-03-2015, 05:10 PM
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