[egill59]

Any recommendations for a contractor that is reasonable, dependable, and does quality work for enlarging one room in the house?

[Chatbrat]

Unless you have ever experienced an interior home expansion, think twice about doing it at a retiree's age- I was involved with mega expansions--the noise, dust, disruption & unforeseen problems are something the average person 60+, IMHO, would not want to put up with.

[villagetinker]

egill59,
Chatbrat has valid points, however, if you are determined, get a copy of your house plans from Sumter County (building dept), and look these over. Some of the interior walls may be LOAD BEARING, these typically cannot be moved or altered without great care and expense. If you are moving an outside wall, you have lots more concerns, and a quick call to ARC for a review of your proposed project.
If you are lucky, and the walls can be moved (or removed), then one of the large firms (T&D comes to mind) as one to contact. Get 2 or 3 bids, and be prepared for the project to take longer than you expected or were told. Almost all of the contractors use subcontractors, and scheduling these is problematic.
While I did not answer your specific question, I hope this information helps you in your proposed project.
PS we are putting on a birdcage, and even with this outdoor project, controlling the dust and dirt is challenging.

[tedquick]

Jim Arvanitis of Demetri Homes did my expansion. I had a total of four bids/estimates. Jim was not the least nor the most expensive bid, but we chose him and can say nothing but good about the kind and quality of job that his company did. Jim is one of those guys that you can trust, which at a challenging time like the expansion of your home, is needed. His CBR# is 352-427-2787. Call Jim. You'll be glad that you did.

[Newbeginnings]

A family member did a very large expansion by Fortin Construction, they did a wonderful, beautiful addition and very seamless as it ties into the existing house like it was always there. Very clean, good communication, fair on price-not the cheapest. Pierre (owner)is doing another addition for them and we had him out to bid on one for me and my husband. He does quite a bit of work in The Villages and very familiar with codes, permits, in all of the tri-counties.