Site work and foundations
Prepare equipment access and excavate, then build the footings, foundation, drainage, and waterproofing.
Home Additions
More Room in the Home You Want to Keep
An addition can give your household the space it needs without moving. We build new rooms and connect them to the layout, structure, and utilities of the existing home.
We work with your architect or engineer to review the construction and develop an estimate. Early cost information can help guide the design.
Home Addition Construction
We build the addition and complete the connections to your existing home.
Structural framing
Frame the new floors, walls, and roof and connect them to the existing structure.
Connections to existing rooms
Build openings, doorways, and stairs that join the addition to your home.
Exterior construction
Install roofing, flashing, insulation, cladding, windows, and doors, including weather protection where old and new construction meet.
Plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling
Extend or install the systems serving the new rooms.
Interior finishes
Complete the rooms with floors, drywall, trim, paint, fixtures, and built-ins.
Planning and Building Your Addition
We review your goals and the property, then manage construction from the foundation to the finished rooms.
- 01
Discuss the Space You Need
We discuss the rooms you want to add and your budget expectations. You can begin with an idea or bring developed plans.
- 02
Review the Property and Design
We visit the property to review the connection to the house, grade, access, and utilities. We work with your architect or engineer, or help engage one.
- 03
Scope, Budget, and Agreement
We estimate the work, explain allowances and exclusions, and review the schedule. We sign the construction agreement once the scope and budget are agreed.
- 04
Permits and Preparation
We submit permit applications and obtain the necessary approvals before construction begins. We arrange orders and equipment access and plan site protection and household accommodations with you.
- 05
Construction and Updates
We manage the foundation, framing, utility connections, and interior work, coordinating inspections at each phase. We send regular photo updates and bring proposed changes to you with their cost and schedule impact.
- 06
Walkthrough and Closeout
We review the finished addition with you and prepare a punch list of any requested changes. We resolve them and organize applicable closeout documents.
Connecting New Construction to Your Home
The foundation, roof, structure, and utilities need to work with the house you already have.
- 01
Structural connections
We review the existing house with your architect or engineer so they can design how the new foundation, framing, and roof will connect.
- 02
Weather protection
Opening the house exposes rooms to the weather. We plan temporary protection and coordinate roofing, flashing, and drainage at the new connections.
- 03
Utility capacity
The new rooms may need more heating, cooling, power, or plumbing capacity. We review whether existing systems can serve them or need upgrades.
- 04
Household access
We discuss which rooms and entrances will be affected, when utilities will be interrupted, and whether you will need alternative accommodations.
Home Addition Questions
When should I contact Bau about an addition?
You can contact us while considering more space or after plans have been developed. Early discussion can help with construction costs, sequencing, and questions for your design team.
Do I need an architect or engineer?
An addition usually needs an architect and may need an engineer. The property, structure, and proposed work determine the professionals and drawings required.
Does Bau handle permit applications?
Yes. We coordinate drawings with licensed professionals, submit permit applications, and work with the reviewing agencies to obtain the necessary approvals before construction begins.
Can I live at home during construction?
Sometimes. The connection to the existing house can affect rooms, utilities, and weather protection. We review those conditions and discuss alternative accommodations if needed.
How long does an addition take?
The size and structure, site work, approvals, weather, and deliveries affect timing. We develop a schedule for your addition and keep you informed as construction progresses.
Can the addition match the existing home?
Often. The design can carry roof lines, window proportions, siding, masonry, and interior finishes into the new work. Availability and the condition of existing materials affect the match.
How do you estimate the cost of an addition?
We discuss the rooms you need and review the design, site work, structural connections, and utilities with your design team. We explain how size, construction, and finish choices affect the cost, then refine the estimate as the design develops. Preliminary pricing includes allowances for finishes you wish to select.
Where do you build additions?
We consider addition projects in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey. Contact us to discuss your property.
