Having just added 12 feet out, 30 feet wide on to the back of our 2nd villa, I say start with a contractor.

When we did additions up north, we always got an architect first, it doesn't have to be the same process here in TV.

If you want to do the GC work yourself, it's entirely possible to do it all. Of course, you'll have to find trustworthy subs, deal with suppliers, and manage that entire process. It's all possible, but in my opinion, not worth it.

Our contractor got Arc approval, got the truss company to do structure plans, got permits and has had an array of subs(concrete, truss install, roofing, electrician, dry wall, drywall mud, dry wall textures, stucco, windows and doors).

I'm doing the paint, flooring and trim, but if you don't have the tools for that, it's another group of folks.

That's just how we managed it, but all the nonsense he(Contractor) has had to deal with has made it worth it for us. Windows took a LONG time(almost 6 months from the time of ordering) and trusses were almost 3 months.

Started Feb 1, will probably be done with everything by the middle of February. It was all supplier delays, once parts were in, work was fast.

Go to a Recommended Contractor
 

I agree with this post. We went to a local builder (we went with T&D Screen Enclosures - Phone: 352-748-6655
http://tdseinc.com/).
We had a plat from our settlement. They knew what could & could not be done. They got ARC approvals (and provided me a copy) and then the necessary building permits. We are about halfway thru a 3.5 month build to add a 10’x15’ sitting room off our MBR in the backyard and a 12’x22’ birdcage. It is not cheap but based on our research, TDSE is one of the best… it should be done by mid-Feb.

ARC is your First call..The Village is full of non-approved Construction failures. many have tried and most have failed .

I have a patio villa with extra room and birdcage in back. Be according to lot size. It was there when I brought. Many have extra in my area north of 466.