[wb2018]

We have a small long-shaped patio along the back of our house. The patio is on a cement slab. We originally had a large tree behind the house which kept us from building out. The tree was removed four years and the ground has mostly settled. Now we have space to create a sunroom.

We are thinking to expand the enclosed lanai at the back of our house into the patio space, creating a larger sunroom with storm windows. The final size of the addition roughly
18' x 8'. We don't have a large back yard so this is as much addition as we can do.

1. Have you used or heard of a contractor/builder and had good results? Would you recommend them?

2. What things should we watch out for in picking a builder?

Many thanks for any help you can provide.

[retiredguy123]

Don't assume that a concrete patio slab is appropriate to build a room onto. You may need to remove the concrete and start over. Room additions are very expensive.

[Stu from NYC]

Have a conversation with ARC before you get too far. No fun to have to take down construction

[dewilson58]

Best if they have their own crews.......easier for them to control.

Should ask who their Subs are and make sure you check reviews on them as well.

Get their best-guess on start and complete dates............they won't hit, but you will have an idea.

Request insurance certificates.

Have them get ARC approval, but require you get a copy of approval.


Obviously get two or three estimates.

[wb2018]

Thank you all for offering your valuable advice.

[wb2018]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Best if they have their own crews.......easier for them to control.

Should ask who their Subs are and make sure you check reviews on them as well.

Get their best-guess on start and complete dates............they won't hit, but you will have an idea.

Request insurance certificates.

Have them get ARC approval, but require you get a copy of approval.


Obviously get two or three estimates.

Thanks so much!

[villagetinker]

Get a copy of your plat plan and double check all of the setbacks and right of way restrictions, for example the rear of our house has 20 foot right of way (aka NO permanent construction in that area). Irrigation lines will need to be moved, live water lines are not allowed under concrete pads. Think about what you want to do for the roof, our CDD restriction actually state the angle of the roof. There are a lot of details that need to be discussed, once you have some information, you might actually consider a discussion with the county building inspector. I agree with the above comment that this will be expensive.

[wb2018]

Thanks so much!

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Best if they have their own crews.......easier for them to control.

Should ask who their Subs are and make sure you check reviews on them as well.

Get their best-guess on start and complete dates............they won't hit, but you will have an idea.

Request insurance certificates.

Have them get ARC approval, but require you get a copy of approval.


Obviously get two or three estimates.

Kudoo's to you, one of the few who actually answered the posted question, others seemed to only tell the person to do this or that, check with the ARC department, etc. But you actually gave good advice. I might add one tip, CALL the state's toll free number personally AFTER the contractor gives you their insurance and license numbers. We had the interesting experience of taking those off the contractor's van and card.... they WERE real numbers, trouble is the license was issued and NEVER renewed... the contractor had simply bought a number to use and then never kept it in force. State said they ONLY send reminders, they do not make personal visits to force contractors to keep their license and insurance in force.... so beware !

[wb2018]

Thank you!

[Veracity]

Originally Posted by wb2018

We have a small long-shaped patio along the back of our house. The patio is on a cement slab. We originally had a large tree behind the house which kept us from building out. The tree was removed four years and the ground has mostly settled. Now we have space to create a sunroom.

We are thinking to expand the enclosed lanai at the back of our house into the patio space, creating a larger sunroom with storm windows. The final size of the addition roughly
18' x 8'. We don't have a large back yard so this is as much addition as we can do.

1. Have you used or heard of a contractor/builder and had good results? Would you recommend them?

2. What things should we watch out for in picking a builder?

Many thanks for any help you can provide.

I have never been brave enough to attempt what you are contemplating, but I have used Doc's Restorations for a much smaller project and would highly recommend them. Or at least call them to see if this is something they would quote, and if they won't, maybe they will refer you to another reputable contractor/builder. Doc's is not the cheapest, but they do a great job and you will be happy with the result. Best of luck to you. It sounds like this will be a nice addition to your home.
Doc's Restorations: Home Improvement & Handyman serving The Villages and Surrounding Cities

[LizzieBorden]

HarborTown Homes, RIck Anderson at (352) 448-0088. We added a master closet 18x10, 3 years ago, extended the roof, etc. He is excellent. He does all the permits, inspections,e tc…and I have used him several times. He will handle it all. I wanted to do another project and he advised me I couldnt because of the property line and what was required…he also added some windows into my house, etc…great company and works great with you. Another plus is he bills weekly, usually Mondays, for the work done the previous week. HE doesnt required a down payment, you pay as you go. He is great. Good luck…

[HJBeck]

Don’t use anyone who requires any money up front. Far to many unscrupulous contractors out there.

[Veracity]

Originally Posted by LizzieBorden

HarborTown Homes, RIck Anderson at (352) 448-0088. We added a master closet 18x10, 3 years ago, extended the roof, etc. He is excellent. He does all the permits, inspections,e tc…and I have used him several times. He will handle it all. I wanted to do another project and he advised me I couldnt because of the property line and what was required…he also added some windows into my house, etc…great company and works great with you. Another plus is he bills weekly, usually Mondays, for the work done the previous week. HE doesnt required a down payment, you pay as you go. He is great. Good luck…

Thanks for this post. He sounds great. I will keep his name in mind and request a quote from him if the need ever arises.

[eeroger]

Originally Posted by wb2018

We have a small long-shaped patio along the back of our house. The patio is on a cement slab. We originally had a large tree behind the house which kept us from building out. The tree was removed four years and the ground has mostly settled. Now we have space to create a sunroom.

We are thinking to expand the enclosed lanai at the back of our house into the patio space, creating a larger sunroom with storm windows. The final size of the addition roughly
18' x 8'. We don't have a large back yard so this is as much addition as we can do.

1. Have you used or heard of a contractor/builder and had good results? Would you recommend them?

2. What things should we watch out for in picking a builder?

Many thanks for any help you can provide.

Melton Construction is the best. He has his own crew and his subscribers have been working with him for years.